Possible find of a lifetime...

[vintage hunter]

Just got a call from a friend who has been out of town for the holidays and he tells me while plundering around in a local pawn shop he spotted an Enfield with a no.32 scope. I bout fell out of my chair! Judging by his description i think it's an original. He's done some business with the shop owner in the past and will see if he can e-mail some pics tomorrow, hopefully good ones,which i'll try to post so i can get some expert opinions as to the authenticity of it. Asking price: 800.00

Information

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[ickmann]

[RJW NZ]

run, don't walk, ... good luck

[limpetmine]

You didn't post the name of the shop... You can PM that to me.

[RJW NZ]

Double check that its not a century late model repro with a non 32 scope, and don't buy over the phone, talk them into holding it until you arrive if you feel the need but be cautious.
Also ...
Old T's continually come out of grandads storage where they've sat for a long time, its not uncommon for the turrets to have seized up with dry grease. Don't force them, heat them, or try reckless things. These are easily repaired ... by experienced experts. The point is, don't be put off if the scope needs work. Anything less than a collision with an 88mm will not ruin a no 32 (ok, that might do it)

Also, T's seem to have all sorts of variations on their marks, in spite of which they turn out to be genuine, so don't get over worried if its not by the book, but, learn what the stamps should look like.
Remember that even if its not correct, if it has a no32 scope on it, that alone is worth more than $800.

There's a link at enfieldresource.com to learn how to spot fake enfield snipers, plus other T info, I really recommend reading it.
Good luck and keep us posted ...

[vintage hunter]

Thanks for your advice RJW NZ. Unfortunatly the rifle in question is 800 miles away so a first hand inspection is not an option. I am aware of the century repros, even a novice should be able to spot one of these. Pad screws give it away right off. I read the article bout them in the Sept. 09 Shotgun news. Also spent a lot of time on the 'net researching No.4 T's just in case a situation like this came along. However, I'm still having to go on 2nd hand info. My friend has very little general knowledge on Enfields, much less on the 4 T's. Showed him my self built No.4 T this a.m. and his reply was that it looked identical to the one at the shop. Will have to make a judgement call based soley on the pics that hopefully the owner will be willing to send. In the mean time i hope some penniless loudmouth don't tip the guy off as to what he may be about to give away, nor do i want to seem overly interested and make him suspicious. Thin ice here. Limpetmine, as to your request, I'll tell you exactly where it is. Just as soon as it's securely tucked away in my safe.

[Alan de Enfield]

...............the rifle in question is 800 miles away .......................... Limpetmine, as to your request, I'll tell you exactly where it is...... .

Limpet - just draw an 800 mile radius circle from Olar S.C get the yellow pages, a few phone calls and emails, etc and you are bound to find it.

[bearhunter]

From the sounds of things, even if it is a fake or is mismatched it is worth at least the asking price in parts. IMHO. I've taken chances such as you describe and have done very well. You snooze you lose. Procrastination can be your biggest enemy.

[vintage hunter]

Here's some first hand info on the pawn shop no.4 T. NO pics but i talked to the shop owner personally this a.m. It appears to be a '43 BSA? ( m47 on butt socket) Ser. No. AP9277. W/ mismatched mount ( ser. no. on mount x31230 ) and a no.32 mklll scope. Scope marked as follows: TEL SIGHTING NO.32MKlll OS 2039A, makers mark: CLS? No. 20518. No date. Rifle has faint T and TR stamps. Stock has NO cheek piece, NO screw holes where one ever was, NO S 51 stamp or scope ser.no.. I was misinformed as to the price, $2800 not $800. The rifle is there on consignment and the $2800 price is negotiable. Some of you more knowledgeable collecectors let me know what you think it is worth as i'd like to make an offer on it. If the offer is refused i will post all info as to where the rifle is located.

[Badger]

Compare it against the "all correct" example one in the United Kingdom MKL, albeit it's a year later, the markings should be similar.

1944 Enfield No.4 Mk1(T) Sniper Rifle - Serial # R33872 (click here)

Do I understand that you're being told the scope is mismatched to the rifle? Is there a rifle serial number on top of the butt wrist? See pics for location as to how (in this case) scope #24706 should be matched to rifle to be original.

(Click PIC to Enlarge)

Regards,
Doug