1917 P-14 MkI* Eddystone

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The serial number stamped on the back of the rear sight leaf does not match the serial numbers on the bolt, receiver and barrel.

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Matching serial numbers on receiver and barrel shank. The * stamped on both indicates that this rifle was upgraded to MkI* specifications at some time in its history.


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The 7 stamped on the barrel shank indicates that the barrel was made in 1917.

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The bolt was most likely renumbered to match the receiver and barrel when it was modified to incorporate a longer locking lug to meet MkI* specifications.

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The base for the front volley sight was present on the forestock when I acquired the rifle. I purchased the front (less the mounting screw) and rear volley sights from Gun Parts who advertised them as P-14 volley sights. As you can see in the photo I used a slotted machine screw to mount the front sight until I can find a proper screw. That's just a minor problem because since I installed these sites I've come to the conclusion that the sights (at least the front sight) is probably for the No. 1 Mk III as it seems short for use with the P-14's base plate.


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The letters W.R.V. are stamped above 868 on the stock near the repaired stock disk cutout.


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The 1913 bayonet was made by Winchester and dated 11 - 16. The leather covered sheath was made by Remington and is set up to be used with the British bayonet frog for attaching to a belt.


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Nice to see an Eddystone with a "Fatboy" stock.
Stuart.

Hi c&rfan, nice P14 you make me jealous. ;-)

All the best

Gunner

I just find that "Not English Make" ridiculous, as if there could be something "iffy" about a barrel made specifically for the British, to British specifications AND the daft marking is applied over the military proof/acceptance marking as well.

And, of course, it says "Not English Make" where one could more reasonably have expected "Not British Make". Does this mean that IF barrels had been made in Wales or Scotland the rifles would also have been so marked as "dubious foreign stuff"?

Patrick

P.S. Apart from the stupid marking, that's a very nice piece of kit you have there c&rfan. How about trying out the volley sights? You have the space in New Mexico!

Patrick

Silly question, but, does anyone know anything about the mark above the serial # on both receiver and barrel that looks a lot like a Japanese mum?

I have such a mark on my No. 4 and i`ve been told that this mark meens: " Rust found in/on barrel ". In my case the rust was around the place where they had marked it.

Regards

Gunner

Good repro front volley sight screws are available from Evans Obselete Screws at the site:

http://www.customscrewsandmore.com/default.html

I purchased one from them and it fit perfectly. Very nice people to deal with.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by gunner

I have such a mark on my No. 4 and i`ve been told that this mark meens: " Rust found in/on barrel ". In my case the rust was around the place where they had marked it.

Regards

Gunner

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Hi Gunner,

The * on a No.4 means just what you said.

In the case of the P-14 the mum like stamping on the bolt, receiver and barrel means that the rifle now meets the P-14 Mk I* specifications for lengthening the bolt lug and modifying the receiver and barrel. It's an entirely different mark from the *.

Thank you c&rfan, that is one of the reasons for me to be member of milsurps: You can always learn more about this stuff.

Regards

Gunner