Odd stamping on my 42 Maltby

I just got a 1942 Maltby No.4 Mk1 and noticed a strange stamp on the receiver socket. I got all of the various stampings defined but this one, I've had 20 some No.4 rifles over the years and never seen this marking before just below the year of production stamp there is:

29/K
52

I have ran through all of the online researching sites and went through a few books but nothing. I am aware that there will always be various stamps with various meanings some of which will never be defined and I am hoping this is not one of them.

The socket is stamped just as all No.4's are with the serial atop and the date just below, no other surprises

According to the Broad Arrow book By Ian Skennerton it says the stamping K = East India Company

Therefore I reckon it goes like this - Inspector 29 at K - East India Company inspected the weapon in 1952 this is just an interpretation but seems feasible anyway it may help you others may have a better insight and records than I have on hand

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Originally Posted by CINDERS

According to the Broad Arrow book By Ian Skennerton it says the stamping K = East India Company

Therefore I reckon it goes like this - Inspector 29 at K - East India Company inspected the weapon in 1952 this is just an interpretation but seems feasible anyway it may help you others may have a better insight and records than I have on hand

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Sounds legit to me! thanks!

You guys sure know how to make a story out of nothing!


The East India Company was wound up in 1874, so its unlikely to have been inspecting military arms in the 1950s.

The K markings alongside a number are simply MoS factory inspectors marks

In the HEIC context, 'K' would've meant acceptance in 1845-46. The HEIC used the alphabet (less I, J, & O) over numbers (1-18) to indicate the date and inspector, respectively.

Australians are always up for a good yarn, besides who knows maybe they rented the Tardis for a day!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Thunderbox

You guys sure know how to make a story out of nothing!


The East India Company was wound up in 1874, so its unlikely to have been inspecting military arms in the 1950s.

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I was cutting through to Bond Street on Tuesday and noticed there is actually an "East India Company" store open in Conduit Street:


The East India Company Ltd – reborn and renewed