What can you tell me about this No4 Mk1/2

[Dragonslayer]

I'm starting this restoration project on a No4 Mk1/2 and was wondering what I can learn about the history of the rifle from the markings on the rifle.

There are 2 model markings the older looking one, on the left side of the receiver plate under the rear site reads: No4MK1ROF(F)4/43
The newer looking one just forward of the first one reads: No4MK1/2(F)FTR
Just below that number is another number that reads: 752.CB24081A

The serial number on the left side of Butt stock receiver directly under the safety reads CB24081A

On the right side of the rifle just forward of the bolt says ENGLAND and below that is a makers mark (sideways crown below circle with I , looks like)

Any information is appreciated.

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.

[drweiler]

'ENGLAND' indicates import to the U.S. from the U.K. before the draconian Gun Control Act of 1968, no milsurp imports permitted again till Act changed in 1986, then the less intrusive 'ENGLAND' gave way to importers name.

[Peter Laidler]

Sadly, you've got a Fazakerley made rifle serial number CB24081-A. The A indicates that it has been hand fitted during assembly because ...... anyway! Made in April 1943. It's been FTR'd in July 1952 to Mk1/2 spec and the same serial number has been engraved alongside the FTR marking. The circle mark is the letters CP and it's a UK proof mark but I'm not sure about commercial proof marks

[Dragonslayer]

Sadly, you've got a Fazakerley made rifle serial number CB24081-A. The A indicates that it has been hand fitted during assembly because ...... anyway! Made in April 1943. It's been FTR'd in July 1952 to Mk1/2 spec and the same serial number has been engraved alongside the FTR marking. The circle mark is the letters CP and it's a UK proof mark but I'm not sure about commercial proof marks

You begin by saying Sadly, is a Fazakerley made rifle a bad thing and why?

Also, ....Hand fitted during assemble because....anyway! is there something you didn't say?
What does FTR'd stand for?

I do not have any illusions that I might have some long lost collectible treasure and was mainly interested in restoring it as a working hunting rifle. Please pardon me if my questions are remedial to the more informed on the subject. I am just curious to know more about it or what I need to know for it's restoration.

Thanks for your information.

Bob

[gsimmons]

Pictures please!

[Dragonslayer]

Sorry,
Attachment 36924Attachment 36925

You can see by the pic that there are some parts missing
Safety assembly
extractor components (springs?)
Forward stock components
trigger guard

Who is a good supplier for those parts?

I'm also curious about the distance increment markings on the sight. The scale on the left range from 2 to 12. I assume that stands for meters x 100. the scale on the right side range from 3 to 13. Does that mean yards x 100?

[Peter Laidler]

So many questions and so little time.........

The parts you need are readily available from one of our own resident forumers here. Try Brian Dick at BDL Ltd in SC
The backsight is ranged from 200 to 1300 yards. None of this old metric rubbish in those days!
FTR is Factory Thorough Repair. That is a ground-up factory repair where the rifle was refurbished to 80%+ condition of a new rifle
You'll need to read some old threads to learn about the A serial number suffix
While you're there, you'll also learn about the trials and tribulations of the Fazakerley factory. But purely from an Armourers point of view, let me see how I can put this diplomatically ................... Have you ever heard of a Friday afternoon car? The Triumph TR7 was a good example of what I'm talking about. Well, Fazakerley built friday afternoon cars every day! That's only my opinion of course. There might be one or possibly two out there who will disagree

[Dragonslayer]

So many questions and so little time.........

The parts you need are readily available from one of our own resident forumers here. Try Brian Dick at BDL Ltd in SC
The backsight is ranged from 200 to 1300 yards. None of this old metric rubbish in those days!
FTR is Factory Thorough Repair. That is a ground-up factory repair where the rifle was refurbished to 80%+ condition of a new rifle
You'll need to read some old threads to learn about the A serial number suffix
While you're there, you'll also learn about the trials and tribulations of the Fazakerley factory. But purely from an Armourers point of view, let me see how I can put this diplomatically ................... Have you ever heard of a Friday afternoon car? The Triumph TR7 was a good example of what I'm talking about. Well, Fazakerley built friday afternoon cars every day! That's only my opinion of course. There might be one or possibly two out there who will disagree

Ok, Thanks for the information. That gives me a clearer insight of what I have.
Considering that the rifle is probably not a collectible treasure and from the best neighborhood. Is there any reason why I shouldn't restore it to operating, sporterized condition for hunting? I'm not picky about prestine, original antique just accurate, functional reliability.

[gsimmons]

Given what it is, there is no reason it shouldn't be put back to it's original military configuration. My opinion I just think the original is more interesting and better looking.

[bigduke6]

accurate, functional reliability.

Certainly does all them and more, I would just give that rifle a good once over before starting out on your build, only say this as most rifles I see like that have had the parts removed for a reason.