Fazakerley UF55

[gerard488]

Can anyone tell me when the last Fazakerley Lee Enfield 303 was made? I have a UF 55 A294xx and I am wondering how close it is to the end of production. Sad part is that mine was sportered and has Surrey stamped on the barrel. The barrel is not cut, still has the bayonet lugs. Thanks in advance.

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[stevebc]

It isn't known for certain how many 1956 Fazakerly No.4 Mk.2's were made, but the numbering suggests to me that that could be thousands.

If so, I don't know where they are. I have UF 56 A434xx, and I know of two others in Canada. Skennerton has an illustration of a No.4 with a UF 56 serial number. I like to think they're still out there somewhere, in the wrap.

In a thread on CGN, another fellow has suggested there's an even later run, with letters UP

I'd like to know more about this too. It's a little vague when you get to the 56's.

[Brudsd]

I'm sorry I couldn't find an answer... already having headaches searching for your question... even called my friend who also has an UF 55 but he doesn't know either... sorry. com back here with an update if you find some

[mrclark303]

I would have thought that there really can't be many 1956 dated rifles out there, because the factory floor space dedicated to rifle production would have been gearing up for the start of L1A1 series manufacture in 1957.

That said, we all know there was a surplus of unused action and bolt bodies etc, so some assembly of the No4 might have carried on while the main L1A1 production line was being​ set up with new machinery.

It would be facinating to know what was happening during the transition.

[Patrick Chadwick]

In a thread on CGN, another fellow has suggested there's an even later run, with letters UP

Speaking just out of the top of my head, to stimulate a conversation, I would be extremely sceptical about a claimed UP mark, and would give it a very close investigation to see if it was in fact a badly stamped or worn UF. Suggestion is not sufficient - there has to be good photographic evidence.

[Peter Laidler]

UP was allocated to Parker Hale and definitely NOT Fazakerley.

I have written enough about the politicized and strike bound Fazakerley factory on this forum to fill a book. They couldn't even install the L1A1 machinery into the factory without strikes, stoppages and walk-outs. Luckily, BSA were not far away and eager for work.

Little known was the fact that while Faz was open, it was the only ROF to have it's own Factory Defence Force. What is even LESS known was that it was an Armed factory defence force too! Enemy within and all that

[mrclark303]

Thanks for that Peter,

I didn't realise Fazakerley never even got as far as getting the production line installed, I figured as there are quite a few Faz made L1A1 components around they at least had some elements of L1 production up and running when the Government pulled the plug and shipped all the machinery to BSA, (some sold to Lithgow too I think you have mentioned in the past Peter??)

[CINDERS]

Strattons book on the No.4 & 5 rifles in the table on page 167 provides us with this information for the year 1955 production - UF.55AXXX to UF.55A345657 with an appendices stating;
a. All post war Fazarkley rifles have "PF" or "UF55A" prefixes, so serial number ranges are given
e. Numbers in the 333, 336, 337, 338, and 339 ranges with the 1955 dates have been reported.
f. The use of "." between the UF and the "55A" started in the 13XXX range

[Simon P]

I have had quite a few of the No4 Mk2 1957 Dated FTR rifles that were made on the late action with 1955 inspection marks, I have always thought that these were newly assembled rifles and marked FTR for some reason.

[mrclark303]

Interesting Simon, sounds like an accounting trick, I wonder if it was a way to use up some of the backed up stock.

I would assume re-using an issued serial number??

Some years ago I recall an RFD who had bought a box full to the top with cosmoline covered No4mk2 bolt bodies at auction, all new old stock with no S/N's.

Some were in the white and not painted. I often wondered just how many new production action and bolt bodies were left over when Fazakerley closed down.

I dare say those 1957 dated rifles were an effort by someone at the factory to keep people occupied while the Union's set about locking horns with the Government, ultimately destroying the factory.

Re-arranging deckchairs on the Titanic!