Canadian issued 1918 RSAF Enfield MkIII*
I was going to wait to start this thread until I could get some pics up, but curiosity has finally gotten the better of me. At last weekends gun show, I traded for a very nice 1918 RSAF Enfield MkIII* that I recognized as Canadian issued. (Broad Arrow inside C on butt and receiver) Rifle is all matching, right down to the rear sight. Serial number 83**, no prefix. There are several markings on this rifle that I have never seen before, I will post pics when I can get over to my friends this Friday. However, the two things that have about driven me insane trying to find out are this;
This rifle appears to be all original, but when I disassembled it for cleaning, I found the barrel to be painted in OD green. Have only seen this on No5s, a few Indian rifles, and a few No4s. I was under the impression this was done in tropical climates to halt rust. Is it possible this was a common practice as well during the Great War as well?
And last, but certainly not least, the furniture. It is matching as well, and definitely is typical of wartime production, very proud around the metal. The markings are the matching number, an R, and a V inside a C. Is this not a Vickers marking? I have looked everywhere for a reference to this, to no avail. I have looked at it repeatedly, and it is definitely a V, not a soft struck Broad Arrow. Did Vickers manufacture furniture for these rifles at all?
Looking forward to getting some pics up soon, as I find this rifle to be pretty interesting, but just had to get these inquiries out there for now. Any thoughts will be much appreciated. Happy Christmas to every one as well!
