ENFIELD MARKINGS Page 3
Manufacturer's Markings
S or Squared S
Savage Stevens trademark, found on all parts manufactured by them at their Chicopee Falls, USA, plant while producing No4 MkI and MkI* Lee Enfields for the British government under the Lend Lease program.
The "Flaming Bomb" U.S. Government acceptance mark. Can be found on the receiver, bolt and barrel of Savage produced No4's.
This stamping will be found only on Savage produced rifles, located on the upper bevel of the left side receiver wall. This marking was created to appease the legal world as to President Roosevelt's Lend Lease Act. The rifles technically remained US property and were only lent to the British.
Small Arms Limited (SAL) and later the Canadian Arsenals Limited (CAL) Longbranch, Ontario. The LONG BRANCH stamp would be found on the left side receiver wall. As well, most parts would be stamped with the "B inside the L" trade mark of Longbranch.
Critical Information Markings
HV or HVSC
These stampings were unique to SMLE's. Stamped on the barrel just behind the rear sight, the HV (High Velocity) signified that the rifle's sights had been re-calibrated for the Mk7 (modern) ammunition. The SC (Short Cone) signified that the chamber had been shortened for the Mk7 ammo, vise the older 215-gr Round nose ammo.
Here is a clear example of a Government Inspectors stamp (top) alongside a factory proof stamping (bottom). Also seen at the very bottom is a Canadian government ownership C Broad Arrow.
Here is a clear example of a Government Inspectors stamp (top) alongside another example of a factory proof stamping, set close to a British Broad Arrow.
Import Markings
Birmingham Nitro Proof (BNP)
Required by British law, any firearm offered for commercial sale (regardless of military proofing) has to undergo a pressure test. Passed firearms were stamped, usually on the barrel and receiver. These letters will have a crown stamped directly above them.
"ENGLAND"
An early import/export stamp, whereby the country of origin was stamped on the firearm prior to importation from the country. Usually found on either the buttsocket or receiver ring.
.303 2.222" '18.5 TONS PER "'
Part of the commercial proofing, it denotes the rifles caliber, length of chamber and pressure tested to.