L42A1 with unusual fore end?

[DanL96a1]

RobD I am no expert but I have an unhealthy interest in the L42’s, and this had led me to look at a fair few. I feel that the rifle looks ok and original as well as the metal work; I feel that the scope looks ok as well and I would tend to feel that the rifle butt is correct (although probley not an S51 butt).
I agree with PL the Mk.2 fore end looks, to have been added later and not in service. IF I were you then I would get hold of an Mk.1 walnut fore end, and FIT it to the RIFLE (as shown in PL article). This with lots of hard work and linseed oil, will put money back into your investment and more importantly leave this rifle working for another generation to admire. Excellent find I hope putting the old girl back to her form glory goes well.
PS. I at the moment am doing some research into the L42’s Transit chests, if you would be so kind to publish some more photo’s that would very much appreciated.
DanL96a1