Its located under the top wood it is the U stamp.
Its located under the top wood it is the U stamp.
It would be helpful if you could tell us to which model of rifle this stamp has been applied and the build year of the same, as it is probably a sub-contractor's mark, the arrow being an acceptance mark. (Just my guess chaps, but it should be in one of the Skennerton books somewhere)
Could it be a South African marking?
TerryLee will know this in detail, and I am often wrong, but as far as I know, the South African U always contains a broad arrow [or a diamond if indicating sold out of service]. It was applied to metal in quite a large font in an easily-seen place like the nocks form. I've not seen it stamped on wood, nor in a concealed place.
I have to agree with Rob. In terms of what I have seen in the past I cannot associate that marking with South African ownership.
Hi folks sry was tired when i posted i should of added more detail...its off a No1 Mk3 1917 SMLE topwood piece underside. There is broad arrow marks on this piece so i know its british and as one member stated correct the south african has a broad arrow in the U which this one doesn't.
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I'm refinishing this rifle from sport to full wood again. Its a Canadian rifle that's all matching NOT forced stamped. The wood is coming along great.
Second coat after cleaned and treated. NO this will not stay shiny !!!
This was PURE rust....cleaned metal to original surface and reblued then treated. looks like new
What mark did the Union of South Africa use after it left the British Commonwealth?
After South Africa left the Commonwealth the "U" remained but the Broad Arrow was replaced my an "M". The attached example is from the mess tin I was issued in 1967.
Broad arrow with inspection stampQuote:
Originally Posted by mac2017
Thank you all for the help ok i kinda figured might of been just an inspection mark...now the problem i figured was going to happen is those screws wont go into the holes again and hold metal tight to wood. does anyone know the rivet size i should use? I know some were riveted and some were screwed.