Need Help on Proof Marks on Rifle

[Patrick Chadwick]

I just wanted to wake you all up on this dreary Sunday morning
Normally I am correct with designations etc, and definitely not cutesy, but sometimes one just gets that "what the hell does it matter" feeling.

OK now, weather cleared up, and I am so glad I avoided the N and A words
- it is always more complicated than you think!
I had forgotten that the import regulations differentiate as follows: guns with a recognized civil proof need not undergo re-proofing.
So my Enfield No. 8s have the BNP civil proofs and did not need a new proof when imported.

But my No. 4 Mk2 from the very late (if not last) UF55A batch has the good old crossed pennants, but no civil proofs.
Yes, I did remove the handguards to check on the barrel.
No, I am not going to take the perfectly bedded system out of the stock to see if there is anything underneath!
And this rifle has, consistent with the regulations, a dated German proof mark and ".303 Brit" stamped on as well.

Johnny, you have made me curious now. Several shooters of my acquaintance have rifles from this batch, and those I have handled all appear to have been imported by Frankonia around 1970. Hence my use of the word "truckload".

I shall check any Enfield that I can over the next weeks, and report back when I feel I have seen enough.

Patrick