My new pristine Long Branch, what a find!

Well, made a 2 1/2 hour drive to look at a LB I saw online. Totally worth it. I think I got a real gem.

LB No 4 MkI* but with many early features.
SN:56L9036, bolt matches. Mag not numbered.
Forearm with "cutout" notch. Forearm/butt/rear handguard (grooved) match inspector marks/date 43 B/66 and broad arrow C.
Wrist marks also include oval with small numbers 070(?) and a X.
Early button style cocking piece.
Mk II rear sight.
2 groove barrel looks unused at all.
Early "fish tail"(?) safety.
Everything except magazine, front handguard and buttsocket LB interlaced marked. Those other parts are Savage.
Barrel marked 43 with Crown over crossed flags over P with a D(?) on the left. Also stamped 6, H, R,A, 8 in various places.
Trigger housing plate un-waisted(?) if that is the correct term.
Finish is pristine. Other than storage marks on the stock, the rifle seems unissued.
Still much cosmoline.

I think I done good...damn I can't wait for Skennerton's book and Broad Arrow to arrive!

Here are a few more detail pics. This thing looks awfully original. Interesting that a 1943 rifle has so many early features though...

Can anyone explain the proof mark with crossed guidons, crown on top, P on bottom (fairly standard) but a D on the left side?

Thanks

Niels

I was told that arrow on the receiver are South African acceptance mark.

Great find, congrats.

It looks to me like a post 1949 CAL FTR due to the phosphate parkerized receiver finish.

Nice score

---------- Post added at 07:24 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:15 PM ----------

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Skip

I was told that arrow on the receiver are South African acceptance mark.

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The marking on the receiver ring is a "C" Broad Arrow Canadian military property marking.

What is a "CAL" FTR? I assumed all FTRs had FTR stamp but I recall now that Canadian's didn't necessarily do that. I am very stoked. Even if arsenal FTRd it apparently went straight to storage afterwards. This actually makes me even happier to know that it likely did see use at some point to warrant being rebuilt. Couldn't figure out how a 1943 would have been so clean. Thanks for the input! Skennerton's book is in the mail as we speak (as is the Broad Arrow). Can't wait to get it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by artyldr01

snip...

Can anyone explain the proof mark with crossed guidons, crown on top, P on bottom (fairly standard) but a D on the left side?

Thanks

Niels

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D.C.P is a Canadian Military proof mark which appears to have originated at Ross Rifle Factory internal inspection which was adopted by Canadian military inspectors who were seconded to inspect british purchased arms at the beginning of/during wwI.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Lee Enfield

D.C.P is a Canadian Military proof mark which appears to have originated at Ross Rifle Factory internal inspection which was adopted by Canadian military inspectors who were seconded to inspect british purchased arms at the beginning of/during wwI.

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Thank You, Lee Enfield, I really appreciate it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by artyldr01

What is a "CAL" FTR? I assumed all FTRs had FTR stamp but I recall now that Canadian's didn't necessarily do that. I am very stoked. Even if arsenal FTRd it apparently went straight to storage afterwards. This actually makes me even happier to know that it like did see use at some point to warrant being rebuilt. Couldn't figure out how a 1943 would have been so clean. Thanks for the input! Skennerton's book is in the mail as we speak (as is the Broad Arrow). Can't wait to get it.

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CAL FTRs are not marked as such in the traditional British fashion.

On January 1, 1946 "Small Arms Limited" (commonly known as "Long Branch") became "Canadian Arsenals Limited" or "CAL" but still commonly known as "Long Branch" during the Enfield era.

Once again, much thanks! LE!

Another indication of rebuild is the patched draw and knox. But it still has a '43 barrel?? Looks like a beauty!!

Great pictures,that is a nice find. The revolver is my next purchase,it is also a very nice piece to the whole picture.Hope I can find it here up north.

Beautiful rifle mate, really really nice!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tbonesmith

Another indication of rebuild is the patched draw and knox. But it still has a '43 barrel?? Looks like a beauty!!

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Long Branch rifles were bedded at the draw and knox during production so I don't think that's really a sign of rebuild.

aryldr01 .... :)

Some excellent general additional background reading on Long Branch for you in the "sticky" threads at the top of the forum ...

History of Long Branch Arsenal

History of Small Arms Limited (October 1943 - March 1946)

Regards,
Doug

Thanks everyone. If nothing else I'm proof that with patience you can find exactly what your looking for with minimal increase in price due to the current frenzy. Great resources like this are a huge help!

Nice looking rifle. Jealous is the word that comes to mind.

Next step is to get it to the range and check that it shoots true.

Happy shooting.

Paul