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Hey all,
I was hoping that someone could shed some light on my newest acquisition. It's a Winchester P14 that I believe to be all original aside from the Parker Hale target sight. My biggest question is this, does the stock look like it's a Winchester stock? I'd also like to know what the disk markings indicate. Any help would be greatly appreciated!Attachment 134589Attachment 134588Attachment 134590
I think it's an Eddystone stock but could be wrong. Look directly at the wood showing at the front of the upper band and there will be an "E", "R" or "W" stamped there.
The Maltese Cross on the right side of the butt stock denotes "Emergency Use Only". Collectors have been arguing for decades whether this prohibits the owner from shooting the rifle due to worn or out of spec parts or if this stamp was applied to rifles that were in good condition but no longer front line issue. I go with the former, not the latter. Gattwick was used as an RAF base during WWII, i would assume GATT refers to it.
---------- Post added at 04:28 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:22 PM ----------
I see an 'E' also.Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian Dick
I've read that the Maltese Cross denotes that it was issued for home defence. I plan on shooting this rifle...are you suggesting that I shouldn't?Quote:
Originally Posted by Sapper740
---------- Post added at 09:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:05 PM ----------
If it is an Eddystone stock, would that be from a refurb or someone has just put this rifle together?
I'd suggest yes, it's been put together from parts. There are precious few that are original now.Quote:
Originally Posted by M1lover
I can't help with the disc markings.
What I see is an typical Indian issue P-14 consisting of an Winchester P-14 barrelled action installed in an Eddystone P-14 Stock. The stock is marked Eddystone by the circle I.E. stamp with broad arrow above it still visible in front of the brass disc location. Also visible is the Indian Army acceptance stamp (also a circle, with numbers and a broad arrow inside it) right beside the circled Eddystone stamp. The repaired heel and toe of the stock are typical of repairs on rifles that have been used for drill purposes. Most all of the Indian issue P-14's I've observed have had this repair. I can't fathom how many hands this rifle may have been subject to over the years, but somewhere along the way it picked up the Parker 5b or 4/47 rear sight. I would suggest a previous owner added this, and possibly was the same one who sanded and attempted a refinish on the stock.
I will add that the majority of Indian P-14's I've seen reside in Eddystone "fatboy" stocks, and most of the barreled actions are Remington's. I don't know how many Winchester rifles the Indians had, as I've never run across one, 'till now...
I won't say for sure your rifle is a "put together" or "re-militarized" sporter, but it kinda leans that way. If it has a decent bore, and stock fits properly, then enjoy it for what it is.
If you or a friend has a copy of Charles Stratton's book: "British Enfield Rifles Volume 4 The Pattern 14 and U.S. Model1917 Rifles" there is a table on p.27 of miscellaneous markings to be found on P 14s. Mr. Stratton states that the Maltese cross on the right side of the butt stock denotes "Emergency Use Only". As I stated before P14 collectors on multiple sites have argued whether the rifle is still serviceable or not. An abundance of caution would suggest you get the rifle checked out by a competent gunsmith who is familiar with P 14s before firing. That is what I would do.
You might try posting on the P-14/1917 forum further down
Emergency use only could also simply indicate it's an obsolete rifle with an obsolete caliber.