I just picked up a 1943 No4 mk1 savage. On the buttstock is a FR stamp. I lost my binder that helps identify this stamp. Any help would be grand. Thanks
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I just picked up a 1943 No4 mk1 savage. On the buttstock is a FR stamp. I lost my binder that helps identify this stamp. Any help would be grand. Thanks
Unless I have missed any update, this is an unknown.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mojo
FR on the butt has so far not been identified, supposition is that it may be a subcontractor.
FR on the 'metalwork' (normally the butt-socket) is an Indian marking for "Factory Repair/Rebuild".
FTR is the UK version meaning "Factory Thorough Repair"
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mojo
Its currently unknown.
The "FR" stamp in wood appears on both rifles (many evidently in excellent condition), and also new/unused butt stocks, forends and handguards. Ergo it appears to be nothing to do with the similar British military "condemned" mark stamped into the metal butt sockets of scrapped rifles.
The font used does strongly resemble that associated with POF rifles - those assembled in Pakistan out of what appear to be a mix of British and locally-made parts. Some POF rifles have the actual same "FR" mark.
My own thesis is that "FR" is a property mark applied by a commercial contractor who was gathering together a large quantity of rifles and parts for export to a customer - quite possible Pakistan. Possibly this contract was blocked (as were most arms sales during the first India vs Pakistan wars) and so this material appeared on the surplus market.