Early Parker sight?

[Ian]

WRG to the No4, again, a small stamp on the front of the receiver, simply 'Alf Parker Bham'. Serial number on the left side wrist, no makers marks, just proof marks and refinished. Shoots beautifully though.

[muffett.2008]

Back again, according to the young Parker's listing, this rifle is personally selected, adjusted, tested for close grouping, barrel lapped, trigger pull adjusted, fitted with sling link, TZ 4/47 and six hole eyepeice.
He also states that all his rifles are submitted for Proof before sale. So does this mean that these selected rifles were virgin as opposed to the other ex service rifles offered?
If they had basic proof marks on barrel and reciever when supplied by the Ministry of Supply, without most of the confusing but interesting stamps, it may clarify the situation.
Someone out there with the time to peruse photo's of these rifles in the larger recorded collections may be able to shed some light on the subject.
It always amazed me how Parker-Hale managed to survive this period, being able to maintain the prefix name Parker through marriage of Alfreds sister to one of the Hale's. The accountant I think, who was probably responsible for the rift. Always blame the money man.
This dispute was resolved after the war, but both parties continued to go there seperate ways. At least they were able to acknowledge each others products.

[Ian]

As far as the rifle I own goes, there's a single BNP mark on the receiver, and the barrel stamp. There is a crossed flag (large, but poorly struck) on the top of the Knox form and the letter I. The bolt head is a 0 and proofed.