Gun show score. I couldn't pass on this, my first No4 (F)

[tims87gn]

I browsed around at the gun show this weekend. Saw lots of nice Enfields. At least 4 complete T snipers, and at least six jungle carbines. This 1948 No4 Mk1 (F) was just screaming at me to take it home. I picked it up with a 1945 dated bandolier with 50 rds and an extra 5 on a stripper. Not sure about the stamp on the breech and I'm curious about the stock plate since that doesn't match. Got it all for $290 Tell me what ya think.

Information

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[Amatikulu]

The butt plate is marked for the South African Navy

[Brian Dick]

Another Interarms import from the early 90's. Straight from South African War Reserves, (Naval owned as Amitikulu stated). Shipped to Manchester, England after surplus and then Alexandria, Virginia. They're great serviceable rifles, completely honest and original. Enjoy!

[RobD]

Q for Amatikulu and others: When the Union became the Republic of SA 31st May1961, obviously the Queen ceased to be our head of state. When did the broad arrow-inside-a-U stamp cease to be used as the SA acceptance mark?

[Amatikulu]

RobD, I don't know the answer to that question. I am aware of the same "U" having either a diamond shape or a "M" replacing the broad arrow. My guess is that these marks were used on reworked Lee Enfield Rifles following the formation of the Republic i.e post 1961
With respect to Lee Enfield rifles, South Africa adopted the R1, a locally made copy of the FN FAL in 1960 and I believe they were produced with the Coat of Arms of South Africa to denote ownership.

[tims87gn]

Thank you so much Amatikulu and Brian Dick! That makes me feel good that I landed an original one. This will not be altered one bit. So this was an Emperial Rifle prior to S. Africa becoming independent? That's pretty cool. It hadn't been fired in a while. I cleaned the barrel and its very nice. A five groove. I removed the hand guards too to look at the stamping on the barrel and was greeted with some left over cosmoline over most of the barrel under the wood. Thanks!

[12Bore]

When the Union became the Republic of SA 31st May1961, obviously the Queen ceased to be our head of state. When did the broad arrow-inside-a-U stamp cease to be used as the SA acceptance mark?

Not sure but maybe some of this info will help to answer your question.

[Black Jack]

Well done, great deal!