P14 With BBC Marking?

[Sniper1944]

Hi all,

I have a P14 rifle in my collection that sports the following unusual marking:



Just wondering if anyone has come across the same type of thing? I've had suggesrions of BBC home guard and BBC prop department, but I think it's high time I found out for sure






Thanks,

Paul.

Information

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[Surpmil]

It's conceivable that it was issued to some BBC detachment. I was just looking at a photo the other day of a group of LNR home guard types all taking aim on a railway platform with their MkIII Ross rifles.

Looks pantograph engraved though, and with that flat machined for the purpose, would they have bothered in 1940-41? Only if they had the means to do it "in house" I would suggest. Font is a bit modern perhaps too.

[Thunderbox]

Doubt its anything to do with the broadcaster, either as an LDV weapon or as props department property - UK has/had several large specialist props companies with vast weapons collections that the BBC and other production companies rented.

Looks more like a private rack number, such as a club gun or school cadet force.

[Mk VII]

The British Broadcasting Corporation used to own various firearms as props, but they disposed of them many years ago now and just hire stuff as needed these days.

[Surpmil]

You might want to move this over to the P14/M17 forum.