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Prinz Eugen,
Have had another look at the pix & I'm not absolutely sure, although I've seen enough cases where numbers have been 'modified' or the original numbers sanded out & then overstamped. Size?? Would need to check, but suspect either 1/8" or 5/32". Perhaps Peter or someone with a measuring stick & a No4 T handy can tell us for sure......?
ATB
Perhaps I'm misunderstanding your question, but the numbers on the wrist of the butt look genuine enough to me. The "TR" on the butt socket is a later addition by someone.Quote:
Originally Posted by PrinzEugen
It's odd to see the two rifles w/ very similar unfamiliar (to me, anyways) markings, though.
I have seen enough instances of otherwise apparently "correct" (but- not- as left H&H) and matching No.4 (T)s and L42s w/ the serial number of the rifle rather than the scope S/N on the wrist of the buttstock to believe that some units may have done it as an inventory convienence. Used to make me nuts, but it doesn't bother me as much any more. (Obviously all overstamps or new butts, but still....!)
ETA- Not trying to defend the OP's rifle's other faults, mind you!
It may not be the case here, but I seem to see a fair amount of non-T Maltby rifles with the serial number on top of the wrist.
Unless done to make the SN visible as the rifle sits in armoury racks, there is no point in numbering the stock, except on the tongue (as was done on the No4(T) from some point in 42/43 presumably.) I had an early M No4(T), roll-stamped 1941 etc., 11,--- SN range and it had no number on the tongue, but of course the scope number on the wrist. Most of these rifles seem to have been stocked in Beech as well.
To make a number more noticeable while in the armoury racking, you'll need to put the number un the UNDERSIDE of the butt.
Ease of checking while in arms racks is the very reason why the fore-end is numbered at the top.