Another Pattern 1914 Mk.I* (T) / No.3 MkI* (T) saved

[Seaforth72]

Another Australian issue marked Pattern 1914 Mk.I* (T) / No.3 MkI* (T) sniper rifle has been found in Canada and it is undergoing restoration.

The rifle had been sporterized by removing the scope, rings and bases, but fortunately the barrel and action were not damaged other than plugging the two holes for the front scope mounts. The wood had been cut back and sanded. The rifle was found with the Fine sight still in place, but the battle sight had been modified, to an open topped battle sight, presumably by a civilian owner. This rifle has all of the important serial numbers matching (the body, barrel and bolt). Rifle was made in 1917 and converted in 1918.

I am now seeking an original Pattern / Model 1918 sniper scope made by The Periscopic Prism Company Limited in the UK, ideally with original rings for the P14 (T). As well I am seeking the scope mounts that permanently attach to the rifle, and a correct canvas scope case, preferably all original of course.

The altered FINE sight has now been replaced with an undamaged original Fine sight. Both are Winchester sights and both had the old serial numbers cancelled.

The furniture has been replaced with an original set of Patt’14 Mk.I* Winchester furniture off of another Patt’14 Mk.I* rifle as there were no differences other than the removal of the long range “volley” sights.

A Pattern 1908 web sling dated 1916 has been installed. By coincidence it is an ANZAC one, marked N/|\Z.

Oddly, bayonets were apparently issued with this model of sniper rifle, and it is now mated with a Pattern 1913 Winchester made bayonet with an unusual history of combat use according to the grandson of the soldier.

The blank brass butt disc was still in place in the sporterized stock and so it was transferred to the replacement stock which still had its own brass disc.

The rifle has on its left side, the 1926 and earlier Australian issue mark of an “/|\” inside a “D”.

On the right side of the rear sight housing, the rifle’s serial number was stamped, without the “W” prefix. From what I can see in a research database that I have created of Patt’14 (T) serial numbers, the “W” prefix for the relocated serial number was only added on the Irish Contract rifles. Added in front of the relocated serial number on this example is a three digit number separated from the main serial number by a period. Above this number combination is the 1926 and later “D/|\D” Australian Government property mark. Above that is a “2” indicating 2nd class stores.

2
D/|\D
248.191781

I believe that this translates as rifle W191781 and assigned Australian number 248.
Skwan’s Patt’14 Mk.I* (T) has prefix number 260. If I am correct, this suggests that Australia had at least 260 Patt’14 Mk.I* (T) rifles on issue.

This renumbering would be similar to New Zealand’s adding their own serial numbers to No.4 rifles that they held. It is also similar to the common practice of armies to assign their own numbering system for vehicles, rather than using the manufacturers’ serial numbers (VIN) which can vary drastically in length and composition. Britain with its WD number in WWII, Canada with its DND numbers and later CAR and CFR vehicle numbers, Australia with its ARN etc.

Research is ongoing.

[Edited slightly 2023-11-18] GB