1941 Enfield Mk1 Bren?

[Badger]

I'm not a Bren Gun collector, however, I have the opportunity to buy a 1941 Mk1 Bren as shown in the attached pics.

Unfortunately, as per Canadian gun laws, it's deactivated, but I wanted to get a sense of correctness from Bren collectors here.

My only interest is to display it in my collection vault along side my 1943 MG42 (click here).

As a young soldier, I qualified on the Bren (and the Sten) back in the early 1960's, both of which were our primary platoon weapons until replaced by the FNC2 and Sterling SMG, so I have some sentimental value associated with owning it, even a deactivated version.

Thanks for any feedback ..

Regards,
Doug

Information

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[Brit plumber]

It looks like a niceone mate, the only real nit picking feature is that the wood is Lithgow (But the Butt is a nice early one with the L in a star Lithgow marked butt disk) and its been Lithgow FTR'd in 1951-3. The barrel is a Mk1 m type which is correct but could be a Inglis item (Would need to see markings). The carry handle barrel bracket is also a later Lithgow item but is OK. All in all, I'd buy it, the Lithgow FTR guns are probably the best condition Bren guns you will find. Can you tell me the serial number, it will be a G, H, K, or L serial number.

[Badger]

It looks like a niceone mate, the only real nit picking feature is that the wood is Lithgow (But the Butt is a nice early one with the L in a star Lithgow marked butt disk) and its been Lithgow FTR'd in 1951-3. The barrel is a Mk1 m type which is correct but could be a Inglis item (Would need to see markings). The carry handle barrel bracket is also a later Lithgow item but is OK. All in all, I'd buy it, the Lithgow FTR guns are probably the best condition Bren guns you will find. Can you tell me the serial number, it will be a G, H, K, or L serial number.

Thanks ...

Update .. the seller clarified and says it's an Inglis Bren, with transit chest.

I'll try to get you the serial number ....

Regards,
Doug

[Peter Laidler]

Not INGLIS, it's an Enfield by the DE/Mk1/194x logo. I'm minded to suggest that the butt is the original butt but has been scraped clear during its 1954 FTR (see the rear close to the butt plate) and the rather fresh looking L is a Lithgow inspectors mark from the inspector who inspected it to certify it fit to re-use.

I did a long paper trail check of an NZ marked 1941 Bren that entered the NZ Ordnance system (to Sylvia Park Ordnance Depot) in 1945 during the return of NZ Forces from the Middle East/Italy. I wouldn't mind betting that this 1941 Enfield Bren went to the Middle East, to Australian Forces and back to Australia. Not common in Australia. All (?) of ours that we had in the Infantry system prior to using L2's and M60's were Inglis or Lithgow. Later we got pom L4's

Can you comment further on this Bren's origins for Badger KevG

[Brit plumber]

I think they must have had quite a large number either sent to to them or aquired by them for the FTR programme as I've seen dozens of Enfield guns with Lithgow FTR markings. I've got at least 4 or 5 in my collection and 2 of them are 1940 DDs.