Help with impending Long Branch purchase

[artyldr01]

Hello all.
I am considering the leap into the Lee-Enfield world this weekend and could use some help. I am feverishly researching all the forums concurrently so please forgive me if I haven't found the information yet. My focus is No 1 Mk IIIs, I am leaning toward Canadian weapons from WW I predominantly, but I am contemplating a Long Branch No 4. I know next to nothing about Enfields, especially WW2. It is approximately a 3 hour drive to look at it and I want to make sure it is worth my time and a good deal. I am awaiting more photos but I have attached the one that is available. Here are the facts I know at this point.
1. Long Branch No 4 (unsure of Mk I, Mk I* etc). What are the different variants?
2. SN: 55L4302 which if my research is correct could be 43 or 44? Unsure if matching numbers.
3. Marked (F) FTR (but I don't know if electro penciled or what). Is it normal for Long Branch rifles to have (F) FTR markings? When did the FTR process take place (if it is even possible to determine)? Does this add/detract/have no impact on collectability?
4. Claims to be no import marks which is important in my mind for value. Is it really that important for collectability?
5. Wood doesn't match (stock/forearm and handguard different color.
6. I have seen Greek rifles for sale. How do I determine if this is one?
7. Any other critical things to be wary of or on the hunt for?
8. Any markings that would be desireable?
9. It comes with two magazines (unknown manufacture), bayonet and 20 rounds. He is asking $325.

Again, I apologize for the long email and if I haven't found the right forum yet, believe me I will dig like a bloodhound but time is of the essence, so thank you in advance. If you can link me to a thread that would help that is great as well!

very respectfully,

NielsAttachment 39775

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.

[paulseamus]

Neils

The Knowledge Library on this forum contains the answers to many of your questions. The Canadian Section contains several pictorials on various Longbranch rifles.

Below is a link.

Milsurps Knowledge Library - Canada Milsurp Knowledge Library

As you will read, the major difference between a Mk1 and a Mk1* is the mechanism to release the bolt head from the reciever body prior to removing the bolt. The Mk1 has a sprung catch at the rear of the body. The Mk1* has a slot cut at the front of the body.

There is a thread on Longbranch serial numbers. Here is the link. Long Branch serial number listing

FTR means Factory Thorough Repair. This means that the rifle has been rebuilt to as new condition.

The four timber components being the butt, forend and two handguards were fitted to function under battlefield conditions, not to look nice. Whilst some prefer the look of timberwork that has matching colours, this was not a consideration when making or refurbishing military rifles.

If you are planning to shoot the rifle I would be more focussed on the condition of the barrel (throat, muzzle and bore) and the headspace, Check that the bolt and the receiver have matching serial numbers.

No4's were only issued with one magazine, it appears that you have at least one mag that does not match the rifle. Check that rounds load from each magazine when you cycle the barrel. Jamming/sticking may indicate a poorly fitted/adjusted magazine.

Have a competent gunsmith check it over prior to ever shooting it. Given that your rifle is almost 70 years old, there has been plenty of opportunity for prior owners to pull it apart and put it back together.

Hopefully this one is a gem and you will get lots of enjoyment from it.

Cheers

Paul

[artyldr01]

Thank you very much Paul. You helped confirm some thoughts and alay some concerns. I appreciate the help!

[Beerhunter]

1. Long Branch No 4 (unsure of Mk I, Mk I* etc). What are the different variants?
3. Marked (F) FTR (but I don't know if electro penciled or what). Is it normal for Long Branch rifles to have (F) FTR markings? When did the FTR process take place (if it is even possible to determine)? Does this add/detract/have no impact on collectability?
4. Claims to be no import marks which is important in my mind for value.
7. Any other critical things to be wary of or on the hunt for?
8. Any markings that would be desireable?
9. It comes with two magazines (unknown manufacture), bayonet and 20 rounds. He is asking $325.

1. It will be a Mk.1*
3. It was FTR'd at Fazackerly, Liverpool, England.
4. It depends on what you mean by "Import Marks". For example "ENGLAND" is a US Import mark. (Pre-1968 GCA.)
7. Check that the bolt has the same number as the body.
8. Nope. (Other than the letter "T" on the left side of the receiver.)
9. The extra magazine is of no use to that rifle but (having determined which of the two is its original magazine) you could sell the spare.

[enfield303t]

Hope you realize that owning Lee Enfields turns into a addiction, NO CURE no matter what anyone tells you. I love all but as time passes it seems I want No1's the most but have rarely turned down ANY Lee Enfield.

Good luck on your purchase and welcome from one of the adicts.