Israeli SMLE Markings – are you an early IDF scholar/expert?

A recent acquisition that followed me home has some interesting heritage that I need a little help deciphering.

A 1954 No 1 Mk 3* .303 from RFI Ishapore.

Mechanically, very good condition, showing little actual Service work. Furniture bears the story of a rifle that has been used in a training role more than a service role.

The number stamped on the RHS of the receiver (body) ring looks like it has been renumbered as the steel is linished and reblued compared to the original body blue finish.

Earlier enquiries, and help from a trustworthy, knowledgeable source has identified the makings as IDF Hebrew marks. Click on thumbnail to expand photo to original size.

Attachment 124082Attachment 124083Attachment 124084

OK, so far, so good.

But there’s more intrigue that I’m keen to extract from this old warhorse. An Indian supplied SMLE for the IDF in its early existence. There’s the usual who, what, when, where, how that springs to mind.

Are you able to shed some light on the probable history of this rifle and it’s likely IDF service story?

I'm sure there's more than just me interested in learning a bit about the nascent IDF.