Help identifying markings on Enfield No. 1 Mk. III

Hello,

I was hoping that you guys (and gals) could give me a hand identifying some of the markings on the Lee Enfield I picked up today.

Here is a link to a photo gallery of the pertinent markings: http://imgur.com/a/laDi0

From what I can figure out on a variety of websites, the N (uparrow) Z is a New Zealand marking, the "England" by the trigger marking denotes an import from England... that's about as far as I've gotten. The stock says "1942" on it, and is stamped with what appears to be "HV", I can't find any references to what that might mean. Also, not sure what the "W" in front of the serial number denotes... doesn't show up on any of the manufacturer's lists that I've seen.

Any information would be appreciated!

P.s. I bought it in Canada, if that helps/matters at all.

Hello DavyT: Anent your request...

"HV" stamp--standard Aussie stamp denoting rifle sighted for .303 Mk VII ball cartridge
"W" is the prefix for the serial number / rear sight number matches receiver's serial number.

*Rifle is stocked in sporterized Australian Coachwood
*All other markings on buttstock are typical Lithgow factory applied stamps circa 1942 when the rifle was last renovated
*Rifle still has it's original 1918 manufacture barrel

*Rifle looks like a good candidate for a restoration job.

Enjoy your find!

Barbarossa

Awesome, thank you very much!

Your 1918 is actually English manufactured by Enfield. It has done service in New Zealand as it has the NZ stamps on the barrel and the knox. The proper wood to refurbish would be walnut. A very nice rifle.

Here's a link that will help with official markings. :thup:

It's a site provided by Amatikulu with some good information to bookmark for the future.

Lee Enfield Rifle Markings (click here)

HV = Sighted for Mark VII high velocity ammunition

Regards,
Doug

Does it have sold out of service markings on it at all? Almost all NZ marked No. 1's are marked as such. A non SOOS marked NZ rifle is a rare find. All mine here are 'Smashed out of Service'.

Enjoy!