My first: 1944 Long Branch No4 Mk1*

[vermintrex]

That is nothing to do with "sold out or service" as such. It is a British civilian Proof. (The Gunmakers Company, London, in fact.)

All firearms sold in the UK must be Proofed. However the Government is exempt. Therefore if one wishes to sell an ex-Government firearm in the UK it must be Proofed first.

Hmm..ok. But it's a Long Branch....does that mean this rifle was in the U.K. at some point ?

More research...I see now that the first marking is "NP" under a crown which I believe means Birmingham Nitro Proof between 1912-1954.

thanks for the info !