"AL" additional serial/inventory number on No. 4 Enfield - got one?

[Roger Payne]

I've seen a few over the years too, though usually on SMLE's. The first one I ever bought (aged 17, so it was a few years ago) was an EFD 1918 Mk3* stamped AL 18299 on the L side of the butt socket.

ATB

P.S. I've seen both AL & AA prefixes to the serials but no other markings such as to suggest Israeli ownership.

[Peter Laidler]

Looks like the Thompson Collectors research was correct then....... Ex Indian State Forces.

This is the accepted wisdom of the US BATF too regarding provenance

[RangeRover]

This was a fast, informative process. Thanks, Peter, for your initial post, and interesting to hear from others about their examples. Aside from the "AL" inventory number, there are no other markings on my No. 4 pictured at the top of this thread to indicate ownership.

Based on the well-used condition of this rifle, it makes perfect sense. I bought it using the logic that "Any 1941 Long Branch, no matter how tired, or where it's been, is a nice thing to have."

[PrinzEugen]

The thing I can't quite understand re the Indian link is why they have been sold and then found their way into our hands. After all, we still see the pics of the Indian police and army and lo, they're still walking around with No4s and all manner of other obsolete kit. So why sell it when seemingly they are perfectly servicable and as far as they're concerned, usable by the authorities? (btw my AL has no noticable 'Israeli' markings).

[Brit plumber]

Ref Israeli No.4s, all the examples I've seen with the Star of David are marked 7.7mm also

[limpetmine]

I knew I had seen that large font before. Here is a picture of one I've glommed off the web of 74L4180, and another one I labeled INDIAN OWNERSHIP when I snatched it.
It may be nothing, but it may be something, too.
But do notice the similaries in the "L".

[Gav]

If the 'AL' is an Indian number system, wouldn't there be the Ishapore screw as a tell?

[Peter Laidler]

These STATE forces were not the principal Army as such so probably no screw unless they went through the Indian Army system subsequently. That's only my view

[Peter Laidler]

If anyone cares to look at the auction thread on the Forum, under Rob Hetheringtons sale etc etc. Look at auction item 529, an ex Indian No4T Mk1/2, you'll see another Indian State Forces mark of GF on the rifle/bracket. Gujerat State Forces. Has that answered the original querie

[Warren]

whether or not the Lee Enfields came from India originally or not , they were imported from Israel into Canada........Along with some Webley Mk. VI revolvers in .455 that were painted black and had an E prefix on the serial number as well as an AL number on some of the backstraps. Also none had an Israel star or Magen David. A great number of Israel arms have no star on them and we attempting to find out when and where it was applied for an article on Israeli arms. Items made in the Israeli workshops prior to Independence did not have the Magen David or star.
There does not appear to be any Indian markings or "Issy screws" in any of the AL marked rifles I have seen, and perhaps someone can supply a picture of one for general interest.