Observations on a No.4 Mk1, a quiz?

[breakeyp]

I have been studying Lees for near forty years and am always amazed at the variety of markings and configurations encountered.

I recently bought this rifle for several reasons. Would anyone care to comment on why?

Factory thorough repaired and marked as such. BSA mfg based on serial number. Six groove unmarked barrel with small crown number proof. F marked rear sight. Walnut furniture, unmarked. Mismatched bolt.

Attachment 89968Attachment 89969

Information

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[Giove]

ROF Fazakerley, not BSA.

[Roger Payne]

Is the linished LHS of the butt socket a clue?

[Bindi2]

AS RP said and the PA serial prefix.

[Roger Payne]

My curiosity is aroused! I've just blown up the receiver side wall & it looks as though there are just about visible traces of engraved markings below the rear sight, suggesting the receiver was originally of Faz mid to late WW2 manufacture. At first I was wondering if it was an early RSAF produced body that had been assembled by Faz & then later linished & FTR'ed, but the early ROF (F) rifles were stamped on the butt socket, not engraved on the side wall - unless this one got both! The FTR engraving is also a little atypical in that it does not identify where or when the FTRing was carried out. Usually you'll see somethong like 'FTR (F) 9/48' or similar.......a BSA FTR ????

Added - also, if you blow up the defaced butt socket area really large, you can make out traces of the original serial. I think (with the eye of faith) that the last three digits at least, are the same as the number engraved at the time of FTR.

[Daan Kemp]

Barcode

[Peter Laidler]

That ain't a bar code. That's been gripped by something or slipped on the milling table I'd say.

[Lee Enfield]

I would have bought it just for the 6 groove barrel.

The left side receiver contour is interesting, but it almost looks like its been milled or linished to flatten it.

[Roger Payne]

Yes, I initially wondered if it was maybe a well travelled & reworked Trials body. A view of the RHS below the wood line would be nice. Six groove barrel is interesting. Am I right in thinking they were only made by Savage, & then only for the very early production rifles? Or were small numbers produced elsewhere?

[Ridolpho]

Roger: Some made in Canada in the 50's but opposite twist.

Ridolpho