No.4T FTR markings

Attached is the side of a 4T which has the markings B 65 FTR and is accompanied by tags from Ordnance Depot Donnington which show the rifle being FTR 1965 followed by storage as War Reserve, W/O Telescope, but with bracket . Test fired in 1982, then presumably released some time after.

Would the FTR have been a pre 'War Reserve' Storage FTR, rather than part of a wider programme? Clearly 1965 is after the FTR programmes.

ThanksAttachment 84840Attachment 84839Attachment 84838

I would surmise BSA carried out an organised FTR programme for the No4T, after all the rifles still in Service by that point must have been getting rather tired.

In the early 1960's the No4T had to serve on, with no replacement in sight at that point.

It's not something I have heard of before, so thanks for sharing.

Unusual to have the 2 different type of "T" serifs on the left receiver wall some one who has the serials may be able to give an insight into its service history.

I wonder if the second "T" was stamped during the BSA FTR Cinders?

The BK letters were used for 1947 production by BSA according to Stratton's book so I should imagine the WWII serif was still in vogue I call it a droopy eared T where as the other is like our modern T

I remember seeing that 4T for sale at a well known UK RFD about 18 months or so ago.

The butt socket is stamped 1944. Is BK definitely 1947?

So I had another look at the Stratton book and erred in my information (My apologies) but there is a kicker here according to the book the BK alphabet letters were used on 1947 production No.5 rifles?
Looking at the receiver one makes out the 2 T's but also BK 170** serial those with more experience may want to expand on this as did BSA utilize this on both types being produced as apparently the '45 - 47 BK was only for the No.5 rifles only of which there were 83,000 odd produced by BSA in that time frame

Further going into the figures again in Strattons book this serial does not match up with any of the ranges given for the prefixes! See pics

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CINDERS

So I had another look at the Stratton book and erred in my information (My apologies) but there is a kicker here according to the book the BK alphabet letters were used on 1947 production No.5 rifles?
Looking at the receiver one makes out the 2 T's but also BK 170** serial those with more experience may want to expand on this as did BSA utilize this on both types being produced as apparently the '45 - 47 BK was only for the No.5 rifles only of which there were 83,000 odd produced by BSA in that time frame

Further going into the figures again in Strattons book this serial does not match up with any of the ranges given for the prefixes! See pics

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Thanks

So, based on those figures, either the action is from a No 5 or there is a number 4 & a number 5 with the same number? But you mention it isn't in the range? 17080 seems to be in the correct range? 10000 to 19999

---------- Post added at 05:04 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:02 AM ----------

The butt Socket gives the manufacturer as Maltby ?

There WILL be No4's and 5's with the same number, same as there will be No2 revolvers with those same numbers too. There are many cases of whole series of Bren Mk1 numbers being duplicated with Mk2's

OK I was going on #2 reply on it being a BSA No.4 not a Maltby No.4 therefore if it is that make it is in range and the BK is correct also but as Peter alluded double ups where not unusual though probably not normal but given the pressures of war & attrition then anything is possible.
Thanks for the input Peter.