Bought a No.1 MkVI - Fill me with knowledge!

[Frederick303]

I have one just like it.

other than removing the shellac, it would be unwise to go about trying to "improve" the rifle. That is how they were assembled in 1941. It is correct as it is. To try and "improve" it would be to alter it from the way it left service, other than removing the non service wood finish.

The two I have seen did have milled solid middle bands, yours appears to be a later stamped one.

If you paid 400, you got it for between 1000 and 2000 dollars under the price of the last two I have seen sell, for 1400 (1941 build) and 2400 (all original hardware) respectively.