BSA No 1 Mk III* 1935 Production

[Brian B]

Hello all,

I have a chance to pick up a 1935 BSA No 1 Mk III* and was trying to find out how many BSA made in 1935.

I looked quickly in my Lee Enfield Bible and couldn't find production figures by year. I don't have the actual serial number yet. Waiting on more pictures and a in person inspection.

Any help would be appreciated as I would like to pick it up if it is a bit "rarer" production year.

Thanks,

Brian

Information

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[Mk VII]

The papers I've been looking at in the Public Records Office say: "Rifles No.1 Mk III* normal butts (w/o cut-off)." The total of 22,000 is divided into:- A 11,000, B 4000, C 700. It is not presently clear what those sub-totals refer to. The contract for 'Iraqian Government' is dated 19.3.35. The unit cost was £5-14/10d ea. Annotations say "1st in 17 weeks. 50 per week, increasing to 100 per week in 21 weeks, 200 per week in 26 weeks, 300 per week in 34 weeks. Deliver to CISA [Chief Inspector Small Arms] at works. Completed 12/4/37"
Parts for Vickers and Lewis guns were ordered as well.

[Brian B]

Mk VII,

Thanks for the insight. I purchased the rifle last night. It is Iraqi marked on the barrel and receiver ring. Matching parts include, receiver, bolt, barrel, rear sight and nosecap. Wood is SLAZ 51 and 52 but looks to have been on the rifle for a very long time. Imported marked by FED ORD in El Monte, CA. Haven't had a chance to clean the bore or take pics yet, but I am pleased with the addition as I didn't have an Iraqi marked rifle.

Barrel and bolt have very nice BSA marks with stacked rifles. Pretty cool.

Thanks,

Brian

[breakeyp]

The history of BSA book comments that the Iraqi order was the first big order since the Siam (1020's) ordfer. Most of the tooling had been stored(apparently interwar commercial militaries were built up from stored parts) and the assembly workers laid off. The book detailed that many of the workers were retired and they used sons who were taught what to do by their dads. Best as I can remember without digging out the book.

[superbee]

Where can I buy a copy of the book "history of BSA"?

[Mk VII]

It's Donovan M. Ward, The Other Battle (1946). There are several copies on AbeBooks

[breakeyp]

The book is called "The Other Battle" and sponsored by BSA, written by Donovan M. Ward. Privately published in July 1946. My book has a card addressed to a Mr. W. Piznak presented with the compliments of the BSA Board of Directors, July 1947. A business card marked "with the compliments" of Claude Perry, Chief Designer, BSA Guns Limited.

I can't remember ever seeing a copy offered for sale. I would suggest a purchase at less than $300 might be considered a sucess. You might haunt the UK book dealers sites.

[Badger]

2 used copies currently listed here for between $75 and $250 ...

The other battle: Being a history of the Birmingham Small Arms Co. Ltd (Hardcover)

Regards,
Doug