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Just had pictures sent to me regarding a 1943 Long Branch, on the left side of the receiver it is stamped RB 11/46....
I was told it went to BSA for repairs and upon completion was stamped. Is this info correct and what does the RB stand for? It has a beautiful 2 groove barrel and was told it has a BSA marked buttstock.
I believe that you have stumbled upon an early FTR Long Branch.Quote:
Originally Posted by bros
If you examine the markings closely you will probably discover that it is R "LB" 11/46 (ie. Repaired Long Branch November 1946).
This system of markings seems to have been discontinued before 1949.
I re-examined the picture and it is the same, left side of receiver stamped as follows "RB 11/46". Possible that RB= re-barrel??? If so who would have re-furbed it? Apparently the condition of the bore would support that theory! You would see that picture if I was a little more computer savvy!!!
Your thoughts always appreciated.
Just a suggestion, but could it have been stamped with the combined 'L & B' Long Branch stamp, that is often seen on components of Canadian WW2 era rifles?
You can always send me the pics and I'll post them. Check your messages for a PM...Quote:
Originally Posted by bros
Here's the pics from the previous mentioned post of Bros...#3. Click on the box and arrow and they go huge. It does look like an LB marking...
Not sure what is more beautiful the rifle or the backdrop.
I would say but not with any degree of certainty, that the RB/date indicates REBUILD- date. But NOT British because we were not permitted to stamp the bodyside. The Ishapore type screw would indicate an Indian rebuild to me but as they worked to the same EMER's and technical instructions as us........ In fact we were still training Indian Army Armourers at Blackdown, Gosport and Bordon until the mid 60's
That's the first time I've ever seen a Long Branch rebuild stamp. Very interesting. The "LB" is pretty distinct.
Lee Enfield, I've seen 1946 month/year date stamps on the left side of the butt sockets on many Long Branch rifles. Most of them returned from Greek Army service. Is that a Canadian rebuild date or possibly a European workshop mark as discussed here a while back? No one seems to have a definitive answer. I always wondered if they were rebuilt/inspected in Canada and shipped directly to the Greeks as foreign aid post WWII.
Thanks for posting the photos Jim!!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by browningautorifle
Intresting to see the LB stamp!!! I did not see that as the pictures were sent to my phone and I could not blow them up to a size where I could get as much detail, I thought it was just a "B". Anyhow the rifle should arrive to me in a few days. If it maters to anyone the magazine is apparently a forced match, the bolt is matching.