Unusual Sten Mk5 serial number - ?

[SirHarryBag]

Hi all. I purchased a mk5 Sten deac recently and am now trying to find out what I can about it. I am aware that mk5 serial numbers are supposed to commence with "VS". However, stamped "STEN MK 5" on the magazine chamber, the serial number reads "AO2774", which is prefixed by "R.O.F. 67". Unfortunately, I can't seem to find any explanation for this.

Is anyone able to shine any light on this?

Information

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[Peter Laidler]

Fazakerley were FTRing Mk5 ex UK Military Sten guns for disposal well into the 60's. If one went in as AO12345 then it'd come out as AO12345. If in its past life it had a Mk2 magazine housing complete with its old Mk2 serial number fitted then so be it - they were interchangeable!. During its FTR it'd be correctly marked as a Mk5 of course. Many with unidentifiable or obliterated serial numbers were reallocated a new type number such as SA67A-12345. But believe me, changing or reallocating a serial number was not an event that you'd undertake lightly.

[SirHarryBag]

Thanks for the reply, Peter. So if I understand you correctly, although this Sten came out of Fazakerley as the gun I have today, it probably comprises a number of parts that were not originally mk5 - in particular the magazine housing.

Would you have any thoughts as to what type of Sten the magazine housing would have come from given its serial number? Also, might there be any way I can establish when the gun went through the FTR process?

Many thanks for your time and patience.

[Peter Laidler]

It would be a mag housing from a Mk2 Sten as the Mk2 and 5 Sten mag housings were interchangeable. Mind you most parts were.

If you really want to learn up about Sten guns then I'd recommend a little booklet titled The Sten Machine Carbine by Collector Grade Publications in Canada. A good read and cheap too!

[gsimmons]

Or get Peter's book "The Sten Machine Carbine", but it's not a cheap book. It's also the best book on the subject.

[browningautorifle]

it's not a cheap book.

No, and it likely won't go down in price. I get them and keep them...so price is irrelevant. The info is priceless.

[SirHarryBag]

Thanks for your help folks, much appreciated. I am already aware of Peter's book and will purchase it as soon as my wife isn't looking...

[browningautorifle]

as soon as my wife isn't looking

No...she'll be thumbing through it too as soon as you point pout the pics of Peter...how can she resist?