Crossed flags on the bolt handle question

[rayg]

I have a 1942 Maltby no.4 MkI that has what appears to be crossed flags lightly electric penned on top flat of the bolt handle. Anyone know what the crossed flags represent? Ray

Information

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[KarlJ]

I picture might help.

[rayg]

The rifle is matching and otherwise appears unfired/unused. No export/import stamps. The stock also has the initials FNR on it.
There was an old post where the poster was questioning markings on a Ross rifle he had and one of the questions he asked was, what the crossed flags on the back of his bolt meant, Not sure if it looked the same as mine as no photos were posted. He received no answer though. Ray

[Peter Laidler]

The crossed flags are the British military proof marks. They are actually crossed lances for the pedantic........ Used by Australia and Canada too.

Next question.............

[rayg]

Thanks Peter, I knew you would have the answer. What threw me was the crudeness of the symbols instead of a stamp. Any idea of the initials on the stock. One other thing about the rifle is that both sling swivels have been removed and the screws re-inserted in the bases. Maybe some thing to do with the FRN unit markings in the stock? Ray

[bradtx]

FNR = (explitive deleted) Nice Rifle ?

Brad

[Peter Laidler]

The only time I ever saw/heard of the sling swivels being removed was in Malaya and South Vietnam so that you always had to carry your rifle at 'the ready'.

Any other Aussies and Kiwis remember this little whizz, thought up by some masochist at the warfare school at Canungra and Johore?

[rayg]

Could be the previous owner removed the sling swivels to use the rifle to hunt with. Apparently he never got around to go hunting as the bolt face shows no evidence of firing. Maybe never got around to go. Ray

[jmoore]

Could be the previous owner removed the sling swivels to use the rifle to hunt with. Apparently he never got around to go hunting as the bolt face shows no evidence of firing. Maybe never got around to go. Ray

As a still hunter (stalker) I quickly grew to hate slings and swivels both! They hang up on things, move, get in the way, or make noise. Generally just put a loop sling in a pocket and either remove or lash up the swivels themselves.

Wouldn't sell a rifle that's supposed to have 'em w/o the swivels in their proper place, though! How rude.

[John R.]

Removing sling swivels on R1M1 FN-FAL's was common practice in Rhodesia circa 1974-1975.As Peter noted it made the troopies keep their bundooks in their hands in case of nasty people trying to get the drop on you(or drop you too)JR