1916 BSA... Questions

[Jim Long]

1916 BSA... Questions

What interests me are the features it has as a MkIII* that do not comply with what the pattern is supposed to be for a MkIII* which leads me to think it was produced fairly early. 1917 BSAs I've seen photos of have the plugged disc hole and different cocking piece. I already know my rifle was converted to a trainer around 1956 so all the S/Ns were removed. What remains is a lined out no prefix 94625 which I guess might be the original S/N. Please let me know any info you may have or your thoughts... I have a well worn copy of "The British Service Lee" Thank you.

Information

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[Homer]

Can you post a photo of the lined out number? It could be an inventory number if it has been in Australian service.

[Jim Long]

I'll upload it in a jiffy

[Jim Long]

[Homer]

That is not an inventory number so disregard my previous post.

[Frederick303]

Let me guess.

The rifle has a serial number of AMxxxx between AM544 and AM1534. Most likely at AM1186 or above.

Your .22 conversion was done by Parker Hale for Ireland. The barrel is a re-bored Irish Free state barrel. The unique serial number pattern was applied in the early 1920s, when Ireland was supplied with around 27,800 No 1 MK III rifles. Most were converted in 51/52 based on the Birmingham poof marks, though in the lower AM series you will see 1945 dated ones. I would guess it came from Joe Salter looking at the photo, in which case I should have the serial number in my database.


How did di do?

[5thBatt]

Your rifle is in the correct configuration for a 1916, read this thread here https://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=56490 it should help you understand why

[Jim Long]

To all that have answered...Thank you

Didn't mean for this to be a trainer thread but I'm thankful to get the info. Yep I got it from Joe Salter...Now, if I understand Frederick303 correctly, you have determined it has a re-bored Irish Free State barrel by virtue of the AM 1186 S/N. I have found no FF marking anywhere on the wood or metal. I include more markings photos for identification. Can anyone tell me if the lined out S/N is consistent with how BSA stamped their S/Ns? and can it be determined approximately when it was made in 1916Does the S/N fall within the range that went to Irish Free State?

[Frederick303]

The answers are here:

Fritz's FF marked Enfield sticky

The specific posts to read are: 5, 17, 20, 34, 52 and 54.

if you have further questions, post after reading, though most of what I know is there, just a few added bits in the times since that was published.

You can also search this forum for AM or air ministry rifles and there is a fair bit posted on that specific variant on this site:

https://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=25941

[5thBatt]

Looking at your photos on a computer (instead of phone) you have a 1918 BSA not a 1916 & the original barrel serial number (i say barrel as you dont show a pic of the receiver number) is a J prefix the J can be seen stuck though between the 8 & 5 of the new number which appears to be F 18522

Frederick, how do you know this is a AM rifle?
Jim Long, is the serial number AM 1186? the chances of it being a number Frederick quoted seems remote, photo please.

Edited to add, J would fit with 1918 as i have 2 1918 BSAs with I & K prefixes