1945 LB No4 MKI * Butt Socket marking question--

[Salt Flat]

Hello Friends, A few questions that have been puzzling me - On the left side of the butt socket of my 1945 Long Branch is stamped “52” and “48”. Are these FTR dates or possibly an auxillary serial no. (all one number 5248) or something else? Also there is a broad arrow with “48” and “K”. Is this a British acceptance and proof mark? The magazine is painted green, so maybe a clue to its history? Import marks and proof test markings are near the muzzle.

Well as long as I’m here I thought I should post some pictures. So here is my Long Branch No 4 MK1*. I picked it up at a LGS right before the pandemic hit.
The negatives were – Cut stock, bands were missing, and the bayonet lugs were ground off.
The positives – The body, bolt, and magazine are matching. Most all the metal parts are marked LB. It has a No 2 bolt head and headspace is perfect. The 2 groove barrel shines like a mirror. There is very little wear anywhere and the bolt lug contacts are very even.
So I found the bands and “stretched” the forestock and refinished the wood. I decided to live with the ground off bayonet lugs. It’s too bad it had been sporterized but at least they didn’t chop the barrel! All in all I feel pretty lucky to have found this one. Thanks for looking, Salt Flat

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