Another Long Branch marking question

I have been following this forum for about a year and I have learned a tremendous amount of information about Enfields, my thanks to everyone.

I am looking for information about inspector markings found on Long Branch rifles. The markings have the LB logo over an inspectors number (LB/66), the markings are normally found on the wrist of the butt stock and at the upper end of the forearm. Does anyone know the meaning of the markings and when they would have been applied?

I have two LB rifles dated 1942 & 1943. The 1943 rifle is marked LB/66 on both the forearm and the butt stock. The markings on the 1942 do not match, LB/66 is stamped on the forearm and LB/55 on the butt stock. Do these markings usually match or does this mean the butt stock stamped LB/55 on the 1942 rifle is a replacement?

Regards, Scott

I'm not sure anybody knows FOR SURE what these numbers mean. I think the consensus is that they are makers marks of some manufacturing sequence.
It would not be incorrect for either stock to not match.
From what I recall of some of mine, 33 is the wood number of around 1943.
Does your rifle look original? Has it been FTR'd? Howasbout some pictures?
:D

I will post some pictures, it may take a day or two.

Both rifles appear original, all parts LB marked, there are no FTR marks on either rifle. however the 1942 rifle has a different bolt, the serial no. on the new bolt has been re-stamped to match, also the rear sight is the later one marked MK3. The forearm and stock on both rifles have the correct Canadian marks, both forearms have serial numbers that match. all wood appears to be correct, grooved rear hand guards. The serial numbers are 18L72xx and 20L56xx so they were made a couple months apart. I have always thought the LB/66 was an inspectors mark, never considered a manufacturing sequence.

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Originally Posted by scottlee

... there are no FTR marks on either rifle. however the 1942 rifle has a different bolt, the serial no. on the new bolt has been re-stamped to match, also the rear sight is the later one marked MK3.

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This is indicative of a Canadian rebuild. They didn't bother with remarking as the British did. I guess they didn't have a stamp fetish.... :lol:

the 1942 serial no. 20L56 rifle has been upgraded it has the newer sight, a steel butt plate, and the bolt has been replaced, was the rifle completely FTR, i can't tell.

Attachment 9960 Attachment 9961

Attachment 9962 Attachment 9963

Attachment 9964 Attachment 9965

Attachment 9966.

both forearms are marked LB/66 the butt on the 42 rifle is marked LB/66, the butt on the 43 rifle is LB/55. the rifle on top in photo 1942-43 is the 43 rifle.

I have also notice to other 1942 dated LB rifles that both the forearm and butt stock were marked LB/66.

Steve Most often marks like the LB/## or a crown/## are inspector's marks where the ## identifies the inspector.

Long Branch rearsenals (FTR may be inappriate as they weren't marked as such) can be difficult to identify, in particular those prior to those performed in 1950-1951 as they were reblued. Later rearsenals were lightly park'd the same as the new rifles were.

Some hints to determine a Long Branch/Canadian Arsenal rearsenal are:
-'41-'43 rifle w/a stamped steel backsight
-'41-'43 rifle with the 'classic' Long Branch fishtail safety bolt
-'41-43 rifle with a steel (sometimes MAZAK/ZAMAK) butt plate
-barrel date more than two years beyond action body date
-park'd action body
-Savage small parts and/or furniture
-Parts with an 'A within a C'

Brad

Well, that explains my Long Branch that I just sold lol. The only things it didn't have from your list were a replacement barrel or any Savage components. Looked beautiful and was a very good shooter, too...now why the heck did I sell it???? gggrrrrr lol

Quote:

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Originally Posted by scottlee

I have been following this forum for about a year and I have learned a tremendous amount of information about Enfields, my thanks to everyone.

I am looking for information about inspector markings found on Long Branch rifles. The markings have the LB logo over an inspectors number (LB/66), the markings are normally found on the wrist of the butt stock and at the upper end of the forearm. Does anyone know the meaning of the markings and when they would have been applied?

I have two LB rifles dated 1942 & 1943. The 1943 rifle is marked LB/66 on both the forearm and the butt stock. The markings on the 1942 do not match, LB/66 is stamped on the forearm and LB/55 on the butt stock. Do these markings usually match or does this mean the butt stock stamped LB/55 on the 1942 rifle is a replacement?

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I was wondering the same thing I have found 2 marks on my lee enfield no4 mk1* 1944 longbranch stock one is on the lower front handguard LB00? and the other is just a LB stamp that is barely visible on the buttstock where it goes into the reciever nothing else is visible ill have to take a closer look sometime.
I found a couple old longbranch factory pictures on the web! the stock stamps are visible in the shot these all look like matching lot numbers possibly? would make sence the way they are positioned in the racks at eye level maybe for easier visibility reasons packing, shipping and distribution! might be a simple answer as that!,
Forgot to add my rifle has a ishapore screw.

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