New child adopted today. Lithgow No2 Mk IV. .22 Trainer.

Yes, that is what it would seem, with the caveat that someone went out of their way to enhance or add to the markings. Most folks seem to think someone took a DP marked rifle and rebuilt it as a trainer. The DPT marking is unknown and does not match any known marking standards. The buttstock is suspect for the reasons noted on the other board. There were a bunch of DP rifles rebuilt by Parker Hale during WWII for the UK. These rifles had the DP mark lined out.

That said I have an Australian No 2 MK IV marked butt that does not have the MA marking nor does it have the star in any format next to the No 2 MK IV marking. The other butt stock marking is a “4/47under R”, which generally indicates a rebuild. The No 2 MK IV marking appears to have been added later, as indicated by the dept of the markings. As it is not attached to any rifle I have no idea about the originality of the buttstock: but suspect it was modified in the field. It was in a junk bin, dirty and cost me 7 dollars at a gun show so I doubt it was a fake, unless it was someone’s discarded fake attempt.

I am still a bit puzzeled. Some are posting in reply to others questioning the authenticity of the markings but I as the owner would like to know what the significance of the altered markings is. Why would the changes have been made? What portion of the rifle would be authentic? Could someone post a link to the subject posted on gunboards?
Thanks

You would have to do a search for the thread on gunboards.

The stamping on the butt looks questionable to me and the DPT stamped on the receiver also. I could be wrong.

Also there is the 48 date on the butt to give the impression the rifle was converted to 22 at that time but then the rifle was went through a factory thorough refurb during the 50's at which time all the furniture would have been replaced. At that time the butt might have been restamped as a No2 MkIV but any previous stamps would have been removed to the point of being barely visible. Is there a date stamped under the safety?
I'll post pictures of butt markings on some of mine for comparison. Take particular note of the star.

Does anyone else have a 50's conversion also stamped FTR on the action?

Not all no2 Mk 4*s were marked with a star. That was just the addition of the empty magazine case for the spent brass. They were supposed mark 22 on the case as well.


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FTR doesn't necessarily mean that the wood is replaced - especially ALL the wood! If the wood ain't broke, they didn't fix it! But it was certainly 'made off' in Armourers language and patched etc etc. But it is a myth that wood was replaced as a matter of course

Peter

Rifles that were FTR'd at Lithgow during the 50's and have the FTR stamp were stripped to the action and rebuilt. Many parts were recycled but not on the rife they came from. It seems that in most cases the forends and handguards were replaced with new and butts were either new or recycled but any stamps applied previously were removed. I would find it highly unlikely that any rifle through the program would retain any of it's original wood.

Well there is another one almost identical to Hooked on Histories rifle on Gunbroker right now. it has the 6 pointed start, same format except it also has a green cadet paint strip and a /49 rebuild date. It also has the DPT marking. The No 2 MK IV stamp looks identical

Perhaps these marking are correct? Or is someone manufacturing them? What say the experts from the land down under?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Frederick303

Well there is another one almost identical to Hooked on Histories rifle on Gunbroker right now. it has the 6 pointed start, same format except it also has a green cadet paint strip and a /49 rebuild date. It also has the DPT marking. The No 2 MK IV stamp looks identical
Perhaps these marking are correct? Or is someone manufacturing them? What say the experts from the land down under?

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I have been using Gunbroker as a resource to research the rifle but had not seen this one.
Enfield SMLE No 2 Mark IV* IV 22 trainer lithgow : Curios & Relics at GunBroker.com

Very close in condition ,markings etc.. If more/better photos of mine would help I would be glad to take/post them. There are more markings on the fore stock and under the stock on the pistol grip at the trigger guard.
I still do not under stand why someone would fudge the markings. Do some of the markings in question add value to the rifle. I am very interested in deciphering any and all markings on the weapon. I love a mystery but the long and short of it is I paid less than $300 and Love the rifle even if its pedegree remains in question. That being said thank you all for your input and keep it comming.

I have attached a sketch of additional markings I could not get a good photo of. Not sure if this helps solve or deepens the mystery.
Attachment 31074
Please for give my lack of artistic ability. The MA?5 Is on the wrist below the saftey.
I still would like to know what the objective would be to doctor the marks on the rifle.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by HOOKED ON HISTORY

I have attached a sketch of additional markings I could not get a good photo of. Not sure if this helps solve or deepens the mystery.
Attachment 31074
Please for give my lack of artistic ability. The MA?5 Is on the wrist below the saftey.
I still would like to know what the objective would be to doctor the marks on the rifle.

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I am going to try CPR on this thread as I have not gotten a reply to my questions as to why someone would have altered the stock markings as some think may have been the case with this one.