"P" in a circle stamped on a No1Mk3 knox

[louthepou]

Hi folks,

I desporterized an LSA No1Mk3 (no star) and am wondering if this this circled "P" is something someone recognizes:



I tried our Great Wise Friend (Google) with no luck... thanks for any help!

Lou

(Oh here are some more pics of the rifle)
https://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=48044

Information

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[3mctoledo]

The best guess from the reference(s) I have (Which are guess without documentation):

P = replacement barrel (However I have not seen one with a circle)

* = Slight rust in barrel.

I would be interested in knowing if the rifle has a replacement barrel to somewhat confirm it. Metal finish of the barrel look different from the receiver

[Alan de Enfield]

The circle looks incomplete

Could the P punch have been held at a slight angle and the edge of the punch has marked the action ?
Is the left hand side of the P deeper than the right hand side ?

[louthepou]

Thanks for the input, guys.

3mctoledo, I think it's a matched receiver / barrel; serial is the same and the digits seem to be very similar. Difference in blueing must be from a previous owner being very enthusiastic with steel wool or something like that (unfortunately)

Alan, indeed the circled P was struck at a slight angle. I took the rear handguard off and noticed another star slightly ahead of the first one. Different style of star but a star nonetheless.

[3mctoledo]

The star (*) at or on other parts of the barrel (Beside the knoxform) is where the slight rust is within the barrel. The more stars (*) in one spot I believe indicates the more severe the damage.

* slight rust or pitting of the rifling or throat
** moderate rust or pitting of the rifling or throat
*** heavy rust or pitting of the rifling or throat

No idea on the circle P if not for a replacement barrel.

[Detroit-1]

Kind of looks like P in a circle that you will find on US arms. It's a proof mark.

[stevesmle]

Capital P in a circle, Pakistan Ordnance factory ?

[stevesmle]

Check out the Pakistani No4 Mk 2 on the UK Knowledge Library, certain components are marked with a Capital P in a circle. Perhaps this LSA was FTR'd at Wah.

1961 No.4 Mk2 (Mfg by Pakistani Ordnance Factory (POF) in 1961)

[RossM10]

Capital P in a circle, Pakistan Ordnance factory ?

I can't believe that it would have anything to do with a marking on an SMLE/No.1, but P in a circle was the logo of ROF Poole in Dorset, England.

[Peter Laidler]

That's a very astute observation Steve.......