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Greetings All
For those who are into the fine details. I just came across a January 1944 produced BSA that was converted into a sniper that is for sale on line, mismatched unfortunately, anyone have scope and mount #9444? The '43-'44 year change over at BSA happened during the AV s/n range, but it appears that they ran all the way through the AT series before converting to the A3xxxx s/n style.
Thanks Lance. I've had both 43 & 44 dated AV prefix rifles. I've also had at least one rifle in the 'five digits starting with a 3' system that had no letter prefix. I wonder if these preceded even the A prefix production run??
ATB
It's an odd S/N font for a BSA, yes? Could it be a replacement number?
The action body seems to be Suncorited or painted under the bracket, so that raises suspicions of serious overhaul. any more info?
I've got a '43 AFxxxx and the SN font is similarly scratched into the bluing with an awl. This one looks like it has been overpainted or refinished somehow, as the original factory finish at that stage, by the look of the SN ie. scratched in with an awl, they were still bluing them at that stage.
I've got a later '44 BSA where the numbers are the later series and they're punched in. P3309 I think.
Lightly vibropenciled or the usual impression stamped markings I'm OK with. This one is neither. My "A3xxxx" is not like this above, the main thing being the large letters and then small numbers. Odd, but could be just a remarking of the old number, as that's not unusual either.
Picky, picky, picky, but it's hopefuly educational.
Like the Indian renumbers that were recently re-discussed, however briefly.
I'll photograph my '43 later and put it up, it's EXACTLY the same, less the refinish.
Scratched s/n on the 43-44 BSA's are factory, most were overstamped later in life from what I have seen, here are a few more examples.
Roger, I too believe there might of been a run of BSA's without a letter and just starting with a 3. The only photo I have in my archive of this is not great and a possible letter could just be faint. I will keep on looking though!!
"anyone have scope and mount #9444?"
Attachment 27398
Close on scope number, but not close enough.
Lance,
Thanks. I still have the list of all of the serials from the batch we bought in 1997. There may be something there......I'll have a look. If I don't still have the rifle(s) I'll still have the number(s).
ATB
Lance (& anyone else interested),
In fact there were two no-letter-prefix 1944 BSA 4T's in the batch. Both of which have long since gone. The serials were 372XX, & 382XX. I think on Simon's ID thread for L42's/Enforcers etc there is reference in a recent post to a no-prefix L42, so there are a few of them about, & probably rather more ordinary No4's in the same range.
ATB
Interesting post, thank you all.
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...794a8895-1.jpg
Lovely looking rifle MJ1 !!
ATB
Thank you Roger. Interesting scope from an interesting man.
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...4f7a3481-1.jpg
You mean I might know him??!!??:madsmile::madsmile:
You may have dug some holes with him on a WWI battle field before he passed.Quote:
Originally Posted by Roger Payne
Ah yes! Of course. Indeed I did. In fact he is to be thanked for 'infecting' me with the bug of going over regularly to The Western Front. I wouldn't have a little house over there if it wasn't for him.
An unassuming man, but one whom you're glad is on your side when the chips are down.....
ATB
An unassuming man, but one who you're glad is on your side when the chips are down.....
You couldn't have put it better.
..MJ..
MJ1, as usual your pics are great and so are there subjects. I would dearly love to see your collection one day. Everything you've ever posted has been in excellent condition.
You have managed to put together quite a collection.
Bearhunter