No 5 Markins

[mikero]

Hi Guys, it may already be here but I have a question that I cannot an answer for. I bought a No 5 Junglie, Its 'tatty' but appears a solid rifle. When I took off the woodwork there was green paint everywhere, lots of it! Lots of grease, lots of dirt but it cleans up well. Under some of the green I found the remains of a red paint band, over the red band I taped parts to the stock on a temporary basis. When I took the tape off it left 'glue' in the pattern of a scull and cross bones! No paint, just a pattern. I'm worried that this could be a sign that the rifle was declared unusable but it seems to be in good order. No cuts, the barrel looks good, no sign of a 'DP' band. The barrel was not drilled, the bolt works fine. Maybe its a 'unit' mark?
Any ideas?
Mike

Information

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[Al Diehl]

A picture is worth a thousand words.

Al

[Beerhunter]

I don't think that I have ever seen a DP No.5.

The Scull & Crossbones used to be used in the UK to indicate poison.

[Peter Laidler]

If we painted a red band it was to indicate BR-PC. And we wouldn't do it under the woodwork as no one would see it! Same as painting on top of it!

Photos would show more

[browningautorifle]

indicate BR-PC.

Pardon? I guess I missed that discussion...so, beyond repair...PC?

[Al Diehl]

Pardon? I guess I missed that discussion...so, beyond repair...PC?

I had the same ???? This is what I found.

A red band of some sort is usually a warning signal of some sort, like Beyond repair/provisionally condemned - or something like that. But it's usually a distinct marking, as in a 2" wide band. A line of red paint on the charger bridge doesn't seem to indicate something as drastic as that.........

Al

[Peter Laidler]

Sorry chaps....... BR-PC Beyond Repair - provisionally condemned. Usually on artillery/mortar barrels before a final say-so by the examiner. However, was used on quick change barrels from Brens and Vickers as these were the ones that could be easily mixed up while on a shelf or rack.

[browningautorifle]

So, it should have met the torch then...? But for some reason didn't.

[Peter Laidler]

But only if that's what the red band means BAR. But foir us it would always be where it was plainly visible of course

[mikero]

Hi Guys, many many thanks for the replies.

The red paint was on the underside of the front hand guard / stock, woodwork. It would have been plain to see until someone painted over it with green, in that position it would of course been plain to see in a rack. The strangest part was the pattern left by the glue residue that resembles a scull and cross bones, unfortunately I've been 'cleaning' and removed both the glue and the green paint. It came off easily with spray oil. I also wonder why it was not destroyed if it was BR-PC. Maybe the woodwork was saved for spares? The only major fault I can find is that the stock is loose, but this could be tightened. I must admit I'm not sure how to add pictures, they are in gallery 847 Mk5 Lee Enfield, not sure how to move them to the reply, (I know, typical squaddie, has to take his boots off to count over ten,)

I'd hate to see this old girl relegated to a 'wall hanger', she obviously worked hard so deserves better! I guess I will need to spend a little extra on her.

Once again many thanks for all your help.

Mike