Unknown Enfield Markings

[savagefellow]

Hi all,
Picked up a 1914 Enfield III (with the windage adjustable rear sight!!) at a shop the other day. On stripping it I found the anti rust green paint, and a few markings I can't identify. On the left hand side of the barrel (opposite the serial) there is a largish 36F, about a quarter inch tall. Then at the 6:00 position of the barrel, a similar size VSM. The other two were on either side of the buttstock, an ESA over the number 4

ESM
4
Like so. Anyways, if any one has any ideas, I'd be happy to hear them!
Mike

Information

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[barbarossa]

Mike a pix would be handy. Can only answer one of the markings:

VSM is the WWI peddle scheme code for "Vickers&Sons And Maxim" who produced a variety of SMLE components during that conflict.

The 'ESA/4' marking on the buttstock sounds suspiciously of Indian origin.

Ditto on the green paint on the barrel denoting tropical issue.

Cheers

barbarossa

[savagefellow]

Thanks!
That does make sense, as the forend wood is Indian (with the late style sight protecter with no bend.). The buttstock also has no provision for an ID disk. The metal is in top shape though, matching bolt and nose cap. Ishy Screw included! Now is it considered bad form to restore it with correct Enfield parts? I just want to get it back to III status as it has had a later forearm fitted. Also what looks like a NO. 4 cocking piece.
Mike
Oh, by the way, I don't currently have a working camera, sorry. When I do I'll post a picture of my Enfields.

[barbarossa]

Mike, the early style post 1916 pattern Mark III walnut forestock appears for sale with some regularity on eBay. Ditto on the cocking knob which will be the early Mark I style with the mushroom shaped finger piece. Expect to pay a nongiveaway price, likely 75-125 dollars for the forestock but it'll be new condition more than likely. Brian Dick of BDL Ltd. can bed the forend for you. He does commendable work which I can vouch for from personal experience. Not cheap, another 125-175 dollars but if you want the rifle correct that's what you're gonna pay to play. I would be remiss not to point out that the forestock presently fitted to your rifle is correct for a later Indian rebuilt rifle so it's all how you look at this kinda thing. I'm like you--I like it to look like it did when it was in British not Indian service and will continue working on something like this til I get it right. It's not even a matter of money, that's the funny part!

You can salt the present timber back for a future use if you find a cut up Mark III converted to sporter.

Have fun!

barbarossa

[jrhead75]

One small nitpick/addition to the above...

VSM is the WWI peddle scheme code for "Vickers&Sons And Maxim" who produced a variety of SMLE components during that conflict.

"VSM" predates WWI & the peddled scheme by a bit. Vickers had their fingers in a lot of things...for example, the prewar conversion of long Lees into charger loading configuration. Mine was done in 1911, and has the VSM mark.

[Steve H. in N.Y.]

36F on the barrel may be a steel batch number.

[Bindi2]

What is correct even if the rifle had stayed in British service.( The last FTR) Are you going to put volley sights on. It could be a Bubba rebuild if there are no Indian FR stamps. They usually removed previous stamps and put their own on. Are you going to grind off any Indian stamps if found. Make sure you get the history right before you do any thing that could turn it into a junker

[savagefellow]

I'm kind of leaning towards a bubba rebuild. Nothing on the metal except the typical Brit markings. Looks like someone just slapped on a new set of wood to "improve the looks. The barrel does have a '17 date on it as well.
Mike