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Looking at a SMLE and having trouble finding a clear manufacturer mark. Think it was made in the Enfield factory but the mark on the barrel isn't clear. It is a No4 Mk1 built in 1942. Was wondering if the serial # could help because it has an E in front of it. # is E2232.
Its the four digits that indicate a manufacturer in this case. Four digit numbers were used on very early BSA-built rifles. The five-digit system with factories identified by "1", "2", or "3" came later in 1942.
If the number is original, then its likely to be a BSA. If the rifle has not been rebuilt too much, you may find a large "B" stamp on the safety lever and components (its similar to- and often mistaken for the Long Branch "L superimposed on a B" mark). This is the old BSA mark that preceded the use of wartime "M47" codes for BSA.
Yes there is a mark on the buttsocket that may be a B but ENGLAND has been stamped over it as well as the E to indicate enfield rifling.
Thanks for the info
The letter E is nothing to do with Enfield rifling. It is a part of the sequential serial number
There is no serial # behind that E
Do you have some photos to share? Those do help quite a bit with identifying markings and related pieces, especially both side of the butt socket and alongside the flat part of the action.
It would save the fellows guessing.
In thread 1 you say thet there is a letter E followed by 2232!!!!! Or am I missing something in the telling? A photo will tell us all we need to know to answer the Q.
Both i will post photos a little later
[ATTACH][ATTACH]Attachment 69537[/ATTACH][/ATTACH]
Here are the pictures
That is perfect, the fellows will have a much better assessment for you now, but looks like a 1942 Faz, others will have more info, as I don't have my history books right at hand.
The rear of the action looks like it has seen some awful butchering to fit that scope mount, it appears the charger guide and rear sight base have been completely obliterated.
IMHO its a Fazakerley FTR of a 1942 BSA.
noticed it wasn't a very nice job when I took the mount off. Came with a deal where I bought 8 guns at once for about $800. Won't even try it until I mount a new scope. The one on it is a $60 one and experience has taught me that using it is a waste of ammunition. It is not as nice as my Parker Hale sporterization of a B S A No 1 Mk 3.
---------- Post added at 07:35 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:31 AM ----------
Would Fazakerley have been the ones to sporterize it?
Definately NO. Fazakerley were just a government rifle factory with a large FTR plant that they could utilise during slack periods.
If you scrape the stuff off the bodyside, you'll see the monthj/tear mark that'll tell you when it went through Fazakerley for its thorough repair. I'm suporised that you can't see any remains of the original serial number on the butt socket where it usually is. I suspect that it was rather feint so linished clear and re-etched where you can now see it. But to be really honest, the grinding and scrrew holes make the rifle useless as a recoverable milsurp, the rifle is totally shagged*
* UK Military technical phrase used to indicate that an item is, er......., shagged!
I can just make it out. I have the remains of a '42 BSA s/n E 7779, also with feint numbers.Quote:
Originally Posted by Peter Laidler
It's a 1942 BSA No.4Mk.1, (not an SMLE), that's seen FTR, (Factory Thorough Repair) at the Royal Ordnance Factory, (Fazakerley), post WWII. The FTR date is under the epoxy or whatever that is. Too bad it's been a bit butchered by drilling and tapping.
Would there be safety concerns about shooting this rifle given the amount of butchery to the top of the receiver???
Safety problem? Based on what I can see, I'd say no problem. But to achieve what?
Same thing was done to my Parker Hale sporter but a much nicer job so I assume it was done by Parker Hale
Parker Hale builds are quite a different animal when it comes to process and finishing craftsmanship.
Definately NOT Parker-Hale work. Bubba with an angle grinder and a file.