My new arrival, an early Mk2 target No4

[Frederick303]

The serial number (PF 318154) places it in the Irish contact, the first of which went out the door in 10/53. The engraved numbering does not look the same as on the 53/54/55 Fazakerly production I have seen. None of the rifles in this Irish series and post Irish UF55A series have forends that are conversions from MK I forends like that shown on the sample rifle. Nor are any in the series that preceded this, the so called Burma contact that was in the 360,xxx range but have dates from 7/53 through 9/53. I base that statement on a data base I have been building on these rifles, which now numbers just short of 400 sampled rifles.

My guess is the action was built up by the trade (and so numbered) or possibly remarked by the trade, though I have no idea if that was legal at the time. There have been a few 401xxx to 405xxx regulated rifles that have come to light which have been dated in the 10/49 period. I seem to recall that both Parker Hale and Fulton’s had rifles so marked in this sequence. Those action bodies seem to have normal engraving on them, at least that is my recollection.

Very interesting piece

[Ian]

That is very interesting, the engraving does look different to my No4Mk2 - which is just bog stock, but completely original.



Sorry for the fuzzy pic, but the SN does actually look like it was electropencilled (albeit with a better pencil than the No5's) - yours on the other hand appears to be gone over to improve it's depth. Perhaps the SN was so light as to be unreadable - that's common on No5's. Also note the actual SN - if everythings Kosher, they're definitely not sequential.

[RJW NZ]

In view of all the conversation them here's a closer shot of the serial number, and you're all right, the execution seems just like the 1955 dated mk2 I had a while back.
The wrists are odd to me, in that they are devoid of markings, excepting a tiny crossed flags on the left side upper edge, and on the right side is this 64? that is situated in the middle of an area that has been filed off flatter than the normal curve of the wrist.
With the F 1956 barrel perhaps there's little to be gained from the marks on it. There's no serial number leading me to think its a PH or other install. There's for sure no Parker or Fulton marks, just that K&H.
I added the mag serial number as it has a serial close to the rifle, so the rifle was probably part of a group. The bolt is a savage one, so no clues there.

[Peter Laidler]

Are there any commercial proof marks on it?
Those markings have been engraved using a shallow cutter setting. You can see the distinct rotary marks by looking at the 'N' of No4. Done using very old/worn setting plates

[RJW NZ]

What would a commercial proof mark look like?

[tlvaughn]

I hate to assume anything with Enfields, but based on the data I have collected to date, I believe you are correct. I am assuming that the MkI production ended at approx. PF99999 +/- and that the Mk2 production began at PF100000 +/-.

Like I said, I hate to assume anything with Enfields, I have now seen a Mk2 dated 4/49 with s/n PF98096. I guess it is now safe to say that Mk2 production began in April 1949 as the MkI production was winding down.

[RJW NZ]

And just to add to the discussion, this Parker rifle dated 4/49 with a PF serial came up a few days ago, the listing has expired but should still open up, its right in that first batch of serials we're all so interested in;
No4 Mk2 (F) 4/49 PF98XXX.

Lee Enfield .303 Range Rifle | Trade Me

perhaps this is the rifle tlvaughn referred to, but we're a long way apart and the owner didn't post the serial number so maybe not ...