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Legacy Member
The crossed rifles aren't. Crossed rifle and shovel/spade/something.
At this stage it seems like an SA made no 1 mk III barrel, made in 1951, fitted May 1962 as part of an FTR in SA.
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09-01-2023 11:28 AM
# ADS
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Legacy Member
Any other assistance? Should I be satisfied with my deductions?
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Legacy Member
We imported several batches of these from South Africa. All had the standard South African issue/ownership marks.
They were nearly all Commercial BSA MkIII examples and had a mix of barrels.
Original Matching Barrel
Replacement BSA Barrel
Replacement South African Barrel
There were also several Long Lees fitted with SMLE Barrels & Fore-ends, original bolts & no charger bridge
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Legacy Member
Thanks guys, sufficient information to overwhelm the owner of said item. The rifle is definitely much older than he is.
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Contributing Member
Originally Posted by
Daan Kemp
The crossed rifles aren't. Crossed rifle and shovel/spade/something.
At this stage it seems like an SA made no 1 mk III barrel, made in 1951, fitted May 1962 as part of an FTR in SA.
You are correct, it appears to be a rifle crossed with a spade? but my comment still is true. I refer you to page 76 (proof markings) of Mr. Skennerton
's "The Broad Arrow Mk 2" where he explicitly states "Rifle Factory not Specific 7.62mm No. 4 barrel" as a description of that stamp.
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Legacy Member
Originally Posted by
Sapper740
You are correct, it appears to be a rifle crossed with a spade? but my comment still is true. I refer you to page 76 (proof markings) of Mr.
Skennerton's "The Broad Arrow Mk 2" where he explicitly states "Rifle Factory not Specific 7.62mm No. 4 barrel" as a description of that stamp.
Notv everything that Ian Skemmerton has written has stood the test of time, as he freely admits, his information was based on knowledge 'at the time', over the years much more new information has come to light showing that some previous 'knowledge' was incorrect.
That is why he has had several new 'editions' with additonal information printed.
Mine are not the best, but they are not too bad. I can think of lots of Enfields I'd rather have but instead of constantly striving for more, sometimes it's good to be satisfied with what one has...
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Legacy Member
Sapper740
Saw that but the barrel is 303, so I ignored it. Also it didn't look quite the same.
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Advisory Panel
Must be some people around in S.A. yet who know the answers to these questions having been and seen.
“There are invisible rulers who control the destinies of millions. It is not generally realized to what extent the words and actions of our most influential public men are dictated by shrewd persons operating behind the scenes.”
Edward Bernays, 1928
Much changes, much remains the same. 
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