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hey new to the forums, recently was given a Lee Enfield 1943 No 1 Mk 3 and it has a plethora of markings on it. was hoping someone could help me out. im just curious about it. im located in northern ontario Canada, probably not relevant, but hey im new and i have no idea where to start. any help would be great.
Pro patria, for country.
SMLE No.1 MK III*
Indian production (GRI)
Crown over GRI over crossed pennants over P is the original arsenal/factory proof mark.
Sporterized with civilian proof marks:
BNP = Birmingham nitro proofed. There should be one on the bolt/head as well
.303 = caliber in inches
2.222 = max. cartridge case length in inches
Proof pressure 18.5 tons per square inch
Whiskey031: It looks like the barrel hasn't been chopped off- are you thinking of attempting to put it back in military trim? If so, the Ishapore No. 1's are, in practical terms, identical to British rifles and you'll have no trouble finding a nice matching butt/ forend/ handguard set. The markings on these old Lee Enfields are certainly interesting and if you want to get into it there's an inexpensive book called "The Broad Arrow" by Ian Skennerton which you should get. Your barrel has a "broad arrow" plus an obvious date of '42 and also what appears to be an Enfield view or examiners? mark. Royal Small Arms Factory Enfield was the main government arms factory in England. Are there any other marks on barrel/ receiver? The current chopped forend is almost certainly not original Ishapore as they had dispensed with the brass threaded wire brace and used a plate much like the No.4 across the rear end of the wood. Welcome to the wonderful world of Lee Enfields- it's addictive and I hope you have a big gun safe!
Ridolpho
thanks for the input, very interesting. cant wait to get 3 more lol