Serial Numbered Parts on No4 MkI

[capt14k]

I have searched and only one I can find a definite answer on is Long Branch stopped serial numbering stocks in July 1943.

What about the other No4 MkI Rifles? Did Maltby, Fazakerley, and BSA number stocks on wartime No4 MkI Rifles? What about Savage?

The other numbered parts on all of them are the receiver, bolt, and barrel? Is that correct?

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.

[capt14k]

Someone must know the Answer

[Flying10uk]

Someone must know the Answer

I would suggest being patient because your original post was only 3 days ago and you have to give people time to respond.

You will probably find that the answer varies between manufacturers.

[Alan de Enfield]

Someone must know the Answer

Up until 3rd June 1946 / 11th June 1946 the only parts that needed numbering were the " 3-Bs" pressure bearing parts (Barrel, Body and Bolt). Up until then each manufacturer could number other parts if they so wished, there was no requirement.

From the date of this LoC the forend and magazine was 'added to the list' and, any No4's coming in for repair, maintenance or servicing SHOULD have had the forend and magazine numbered during the repair.

[browningautorifle]

magazine was 'added to the list'

So much for it being done locally for control purposes. Now we know...

[capt14k]

Up until 3rd June 1946 / 11th June 1946 the only parts that needed numbering were the " 3-Bs" pressure bearing parts (Barrel, Body and Bolt). Up until then each manufacturer could number other parts if they so wished, there was no requirement.

From the date of this LoC the forend and magazine was 'added to the list' and, any No4's coming in for repair, maintenance or servicing SHOULD have had the forend and magazine numbered during the repair.

Thank you

[Flying10uk]

There you go, I thought someone would be along with the answer.

[22SqnRAE]

So much for it being done locally for control purposes. Now we know...

I'd suggest that a small proportion of the rifles that are still in circulation have thier original magazine in them. Hence, the varying evidence of numbered mags not matching rifles and unnumbered mags.

A new mag with the fiddling to get the lips right matches it to the rifle. These components were not all that soldier-proof, hence did get replaced.

Like all matters Lee Enfield: "Never say never, or always..."