Of the 1500 No4 trials rifles converted to snipers

[Peter Laidler]

Don't think that there's anything totally unusual about serial numbers being overstruck. We'd do it if the need arose. I saw a No4T not long ago with an overstruck BSA number of R-33XXXX that was clearly (or not so clearly) but originally R-32XXX.

If you COULD identify an indistinguishable or illegible number using the master/QM's WOCS list then all the better otherwise you had to get a new number allocated from a special security office somewhere and these were in the ZZXXXX or SA-year- AXXXX range and that really was a pain!

I know I blame them for everything, but Fazakerley were always the worst offenders with their No4's, Sten Mk2's and 5's and Sterling L2's. Mind you, BSA No4's weren't masters of perfection.....

[bigduke6]

http://s748.photobucket

Hi All,
This is my 1931 trials T which as I understand spent the war in Canadian hands and was FTR'd in 45.

Like Jmoore, just wonder what gave the impression it was in Canadian hands ?

[chosenman]

The bolt has the Canadian "C" with a broad arrow engraved and the case which is a converted Bren case has the same acceptance mark stamped on one end. ????

[bigduke6]

Bolt may of been fitted at any time, as for the box, there was no box in the auction (none in the description in the catalogue and none that I could see), it should of had the scope can this was in the catalogue correction sheet, but it had gone AWOL at the time of sale.

Description below,

Lot 454. A SCARSE .303 Cal. No4T bolt action Sniper Rifle. serial No A23306. Standard specifications. The action having fitted side mounts for the No32 scope. The strap marked Enfield No4 Mk1 T, the butt stock with correct cheek piece. Grade 2 plus. Brl.25 ins. NB If the scope can, can be found will be included.

Small strip of paper (corrections) in the catalogue, had the scope details etc,

Lot 454 Complete with its original scope marked - Tel. Stg. No32 Mk111 OS 2039 A,
AK&S No 28338 1945 In its original green painted steel case complete with tools.


The scope case never appeared it may of been found later? at the start of the bidding he said it hadn't been found.

I,m sure one of them yours or the L42 repro had the scope covers (which were or seemed original)

Hope this helps.

[chosenman]

Thanks Bigduke, Interesting trail in the rifles history and I don't suppose i'll ever unravel its 82 year journey. All said and done someone has done a fine job of restoration and I can confirm the rifle shoots very well. The way I see it is as long as the markings on the wrist are authentic, which I believe they are then I'm a very lucky boy to have a no4 T rifle with a prefix letter "A" serial number, not many of them around whatever the condition.

[bigduke6]

Two things you mention, it shoots well and your happy, cant say more than that.

To be honest when I first saw it, I thought it may of gone for a lot cheaper than it did, and plus the fact I don't know my arse from my elbow when it comes to any of the sniper stuff, Just What I,ve learnt from the knowledgeable few here and a few books, the only thing that concerned me was the double strike of the T, I know Peter mentions it above regarding the serial numbers, but being a Enfield built rifle and the conversion being done there I'd of thought it would have been struck with a bit more care ? Just my take on it at the time.

There was another Trials rifle, but a standard No4 , that was a real nice example which I compared with yours, only other thing was a No1 MkV which I,ve a soft spot for, that was a excellent example ( best I,ve seen) but at the time my plastic was bent to the max and the daughter had not long arrived .........

[chosenman]

Bigduke,
When was this auction?

[bigduke6]

Scotarms Wednesday 23rd May 2012, I only went in to look at some barrels and have a nose at your rifle plus the others I mentioned, I did pick something up for Warren....

[chosenman]

Mmmmmmm, wonder if Fulton's bought it and did the revamp? I bought it in June 2012.

[Brian B]

I was watching this one, but it quickly ran up in price. I was being greedy since I already have the one Trials T.

ENFIELD NO. 4 MK1 T BRITISH SNIPER BOLT ACTION | Proxibid Auctions

Hope the link works.

Brian B