Thought on this T ?

From my limited knowledge, the No.4 Trials rifles were built from 1931 - 1933. If FTR'd, such as this one, would the FTR date be overstamped on the original date? this one is dated 1935 I had a lot of questions of the seller and asked for additional pics, but he would not answer my e-mails. First warning, I guess. Also it looks like it does not have a hinged front end piece, but the mag cut-off looks stamped..unsure from the pics. Also I do not believe that the extra sling swivel was added to the T's until after '44. Its a given that the scope is not as issued if it is a pre- H & H conversion.

British Enfield No4 MK T Sniper rifle : Bolt Action at GunBroker.com

What say you all?

thnx,
Ian

A lot of them seem to have the last number of the date overstamped to reflect the completion date. The stencilling looks a bit too modern for me. We never use the term 'mount' it's always 'bracket'. Mount is a US term.

There's a thread going on this very forum about how original things are. If that rifle came through our workshop with a defective upper band (and the hinges used to rust out, believe me.....), guess what band would be fitted............? Yep, the first one in the box full on the shelf! And if the foresight protectors werre cracked after some clown tried to straighten them after they were bent, guess what protectors it went out with.......?

But some believe that Armourers sifted through boxes or trays of parts just to find the right maker and year. Anyway, those are my comments

Anyone notice the number on the top of the wrist doesn't match the scope number. All the other numbers look like they match.


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It's real enough. 1935's exist tho 31's seem to be commonest, followed by 33's. It's been through the mill with some parts replaced....indeed the forend & butt appear to be grubby beech (look at the grain carefully) rather than walnut. The scope is clearly a miss-match, but then again it's a genine Trials T with a genuine Mk3 scope, a genuine bracket, & genuine No8 Mk2 case. The stencilling on the chest is clearly spurious. As Peter says in the UK the 'mount' would be referred to as a bracket. Also our clever dickie has even stencilled what I take to be the cradle clamp serial numbers for good measure!

Just my 2c

ATB

Photo's are inconclusive, would like more pics of relavant stamps and markings.

Thnxs for all the comments. I was careful not use the word "original". I did read the thread and it makes perfect sense..to me at least." Genuine components" seems to be more fitting. I also agree that the stencilling has been put on at a later date and most likely by a previous civilian owner..not any military store keeper/armourer, of whom I do not put in the same category....Mr. Laidler ;).

I did have a bid on her, but I think I will sit this one out based on the non-responses from the seller.

Cheers.

Ian

Notwithstanding all the minor issues raised I think it looks absolutely great and I'd love to get my hands on one. I wouldn't have been too bothered about hearing from the vendor in some ways - buy the rifle not the story and all that... If it want for the $3,275 on the website then I reckon someone's done very well. I for one would love to get my hands on a trials sniper.

You've said what I was thinking at the time Herr Prinz.........

It looks honest to me.

The rifle itself is probably OK, as something that was in service until at least the mid to late fifties. As for the crate markings, not so much. Too bad somebody tried to "enhance" it. But the selling price probably reflects the results of the "extra effort".

I agree the rifle was OK, the chest was bubba'd and the extra bummer for me was the graffiti on the scope itself, a harder to find 3rd contract AKS with a pre-28000 s/n

I would have rather had it set up as when it was issued with a MKI. I guess that I missed out on a nice trials rifle, but with that being said. I have been burnt before on purchases I'll say again that when the seller did not respond to any of my questions or request for close-up pics it really turned me off. I have taken the "buy the rifle, not the story" advice to heart, but it's tough when one is not an expert. That's why I frequent this forum and trust the advice and comments made by all of you and it is all greatly appreciated.

Ian

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Roger Payne

clever dickie

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Lovely expression Roger. I often wonder if it was actually first coined by Croft & Perry and said by that famous Anglo-Indian actor Michael Bates. e.g: "Don't be such clever dickie."

Geees ick I have a spare MkI I would have traded you.:cheers:

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...aab2c743-1.jpg

Hi Beerhunter,
I smiled, mindful of 'It ain't half hot mum!' as I typed it! Certainly where I first recall hearing it.....

ATB

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MJ1

Geees ick I have a spare MkI I would have traded you.:cheers:

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...aab2c743-1.jpg

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MJ1,

I'll keep you in mind on that!

Thnx for the post-offer :beerchug:

Ian

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Roger Payne

Hi Beerhunter,
I smiled, mindful of 'It ain't half hot mum!' as I typed it! Certainly where I first recall hearing it.....

ATB

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It's funny how these things seem to crop up in bursts. Last week, I stayed at a (very) posh B&B in Ireland owned by Donald Hewlett's (Lt. Col. Reynolds) son. Sadly Donald Hewlett died in June of this year.

Jimmy Perry, one of the writers of It Aint 'Alf 'ot, came to Warminster together with 'that stupid boy' from Dads Army to part narrate a documentary about the Home Guard. They fired a long burst of 4 ball/1 tracer from a Vickers MMG and a Thompson SMG for the camera. Perry wore an old dennison smock that I'd kept and I let him keep it - which he asked me to autograph inside with a felt pen!

Nice day........., Nice men too