Today i got my No.V MK.I and have some questions

[gunner]

Today i got my new family member and have seen that some...lets call them non professionals have done some work. First, the engraved makers marks at the left side of the reciever are missing. I have found some "F" on it so i think it is a Fazakerly made one. At the bottom of the buttstock are some markings, a 53 and the letters R.R.F.. Are those unit markings? If so it would mean it belonged to the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers???

Here are some pics and please let me know what your thoughts are. This rifle was very cheap so i will keep it anyways.

Thank you in advance!

Information

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[Patrick Chadwick]

Hi Ulrich. Your No.5 looks good. Civilian proofed in the UK, proof is valid in Germany, hence Frankonia import mark without any new German proof being applied. And it has the flash hider and bayonet lug. So far, excellent.

a 53 and the letters R.R.F..

I don't think these are unit marks. It's not the usual position, and the 53 is more likely to be a manufacturing year. Post some close-up photos of the markings on the metal, and we can all have some fun guessing!

[Ridolpho]

Gunner: Nice looking rifle. I have a Faz just like it that also did some India time (Is that mark on the butt not RFI== Rifle factory Ishapore?). Like yours mine has the dreaded "Ishapore Screw" but the Fazakerley markings are still clear on the left action body.

Ridolpho

[Patrick Chadwick]

Is that mark on the butt not RFI== Rifle factory Ishapore?)

I have the same suspicion, and was just going to add it to my post, but spent too long looking at the marks from various directions!

the dreaded "Ishapore Screw"

BTW, why dreaded?

[gunner]

Thank you Patrick!

It is fine looking, no rust on the whole metalwork. Yes it would be a anusual place for the unit markings but it is definately a R.R.F and not the RFI. This is my second rifle with this nie looking Ishapore screw in it..... But for 180 Euros i dont mind!

The bayo has a W.S.C. on it, for which maker is ot standing?

[Ridolpho]

Patrick: I guess some folks find them (Ishy screws) aesthetically unappealing and there is an excellent article by Capt. Laidler where he shows how to replace them with wood dowels which certainly look great. My own No. 5 probably would have had its forend trashed were it not for the screw which prevented a longitudinal crack from spreading even though the draws were shot and the hole for the front triggerguard screw bushing was grossly enlarged and there was no clamping of the forend! I can appreciate why the Indians put them in a lot of rifles and have gone so far as to find a supply of look-alike slotted screws. Gunner: Any other faint markings on the sides of the butt?

Ridolpho

[gsimmons]

Gunner,
Nice rifle. The WSC is Wilkinson Sword Co.

[gunner]

Ridolpho, let me look for a better camera. There are some weak markings but i dont get it to see with my camera.


Thank you, gsimmons!

[Patrick Chadwick]

But for 180 Euros i dont mind!

If it shoots well, you got a real bargain. Congratulations!

[gunner]

Thanks Patrick! I hope so. I need to make some ammo and test it at Wednesday.