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I recently picked up a Long Branch with New Zealand Markings. The NZ and serial number stamped on top of the receiver have a different font size and style than the SN stamped on the side of the receiver ring, bolt and magazine, also there are no broad arrow markings. The rifle is in excellent condition, matching numbers with all LB parts. Any thoughts?
Thanks
Yours sound like it fits the mold. Many LB's went to storage in NZ, and spent their days in crates, so it seems. Other than the ghastly large and grossly applied unique serial number, many are near mint.
I think they must have imported the blind, one armed, stamper from Maltby, but fed him well, as most stamps are anything but soft.
(tongue in cheek) :)
There seems to be a mix of different NZ markings, with stamps and/or electropenciling. From what I have found, the marking was done at the NZREME workshop level when the rifles turned up - I am sure that Mr. Laidler will put me straight lol.
Just curious if the NZ rifles went through any type of refurbishment program, the metal finish appears to be parkerized? I thought that bluing was the typical metal finish on LB rifles. The NZ markings were stamped with two different letter punch stamps. Thought maybe this indicated the rifle may have been refinished?