Looking for Irish Bren and ZB Serial Numbers

[Brit plumber]

Hello chaps,

I'm just adding to the serial database details of the Irish DD Bren Mk1 and ZB guns.

Would anyone be willing to pass on what the Serial No. of their Mk1 DD Bren or ZB is?

For the DD Mk1, the serial of the gun and if matching barrel nut, barrel and lower etc. Also check for any 3 digit serials on the breech block, piston extension, Bipod and flash hider.

For the ZB guns, the serial number on the body, lower, barrel nut, barrel, piston extension, breech block, flash hider and second barrel if applicable.

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Flying10uk]

Is there anything that identifies a DD MK1 Bren as being ex Irish or can you tell from the serial number?

[Brit plumber]

Some people will know due to the DP markings and the holes in the barrel but these holes were often welded closed (but usually still just visible).

Serial ranges appear to be split roughly, C6274 to C7249, D274 to D840 and D8477 to D8956. There are other known examples out side of these ranges but are sporadic.

[InglisFan]

Not to sure if this applies to weapons or ordanance but Irish Defence Forces kit usually has a FF stamped or printed on it, it's common to find it on field gear, clothing etc.

[Brit plumber]

The ZB certainly do but I will need to check my Mk1 to see if that has any FF marks.

[Brit plumber]

Some noted details so far.

149 - Matching Lower, Barrel and Breech Block. Bipod and Piston Ext are Enfield.

153 - All matching, no second barrel

181 - Matching Barrel and Barrel nut, lower from 164, Bipod, Breech Block and Piston Ext are Enfield.

185 - All matching except Breech Block and Piston Ext are from 160, no second barrel.

195 - All matching including spare barrel.

198 - Matching Barrel, Barrel Nut, Lower, Breech Block and Piston Ext details not known, Enfield Bipod. 2nd barrel exists elsewhere.

225 - Matching Barrel, Barrel Nut and Bipod. Installed Lower, Breech Block and Piston Ext details unknown but matching Lower and Breech Block exist elsewhere.

[desperatedan]

Hi BP

I've just been to strip mine for the details you're missing above for 198 (I presume you picked up the confirmation of the other numbers from a post of mine some years ago?). I'm happy confirm that the Breech Block and Piston Ext are also number 198.
I'm intrigued to note that the 2nd barrel exist elsewhere. It would be good to be able to reunite it with the gun one day!

ATB, Kev

[Brit plumber]

Thanks for that Kev, I'll add those details.

[Brit plumber]

Updated and new details added.

149 - Matching Lower, Barrel and Breech Block. Bipod and Piston Ext are Enfield.

153 - All matching, no second barrel

181 - Matching Barrel and Barrel nut, lower from 164, Bipod, Breech Block and Piston Ext are Enfield.

185 - All matching except Breech Block and Piston Ext are from 160, no second barrel.

195 - All matching including spare barrel.

198 - Matching Barrel, Barrel Nut, Lower, Breech Block and Piston Ext, Enfield Bipod. 2nd barrel exists elsewhere.

199 - Matching Barrel, Barrel Nut and Piston Ext. Lower mismatched but ZB, Breech block and Bipod are Enfield.

225 - Matching Barrel, Barrel Nut and Bipod. Installed Lower, Breech Block and Piston Ext details unknown but matching Lower and Breech Block exist elsewhere.

Enfield Guns.
A101
A717
A6830
A7514
C6274
C7221
C7225
C7249
C9400
D274
D364
D377
D423
D439
D466
D482
D802
D818
D840
D8477
D8619
D8760
D8911
D8956

[desperatedan]

Hi Bp

In my searches for the spare barrel 198 for my ZB numbered 198 (now that I know it exists from your post above!) it seems a barrel with this number was sold a couple of months ago. I have been offered barrel number 196 from the same source. You may wish to note this given that the gun of this number isn't on your lists.

ATB, Kev