Lee Enfield markings

[gerard488]

Pic of bolt marking

[Surpmil]

Maybe someone got lazy and grabbed the wrong die. They are from different sets aren't they?

Is there a hole in the bolt knob?

[gerard488]

Nope, bolt knob not drilled, I`m wondreing if the FP could mean F? Pattern. or if the 307 is a rifle rack number or a ship number. This rifle leaves a few questions.

[jmoore]

Having the "FDM1478" on both the bolt and butt socket indicates to me that it's an oddball serial number with the prefix "FDM". At least that's what the fellow who numbered the bolt thought at the time- which would probably be during it's sporterization, NOT during factory build up. The front sight cover would suggest that it was a commercially done sporterization.

Two letter prefixes aren't unusual for mid war rifles. Anybody else have a Maltby with a three letter coded S/N?

Or could it be a replacement number assigned during an FTR visit?


The FP on the opposite side? No clue. But it's not unusual to see occasional markings in this area. Likely just inspectors' marks.

ETA: Rats! Sold a mixmaster midwar Maltby just a couple of months ago but didn't take photos.

[jmoore]

Found this one as a comparative sample but it's only a two letter job:

[gerard488]

I just found a Lee Enfield Armourers Plug Gauge Rifle & M.G. .307 online. Could this have anything to do with the 307 stamped on my barrel knox?

[Peter Laidler]

No. the .307 gauge you mention must not enter the muzzle more than .25". And if it were to be indicative of the 307 mark, what'd be the point when the mark is hidden under the rear handguard?

[Patrick Chadwick]

Found this one as a comparative sample but it's only a two letter job:

Well I though the markings on my Mosin-Nagant "snaipr" looked as if they were clobbered on by a Stakhanovite worker who over-achieved his quota with the help of generous quantities of high-percentage fuel. But those markings make the Mosin look sober. Maybe the tea was too strong? Or perhaps they stood on the other side of the workshop and threw the punches at the rifle? Note that the first stamping was so b--- awful that someone was driven to try it again, a bit more legibly.

[jmoore]

But those markings make the Mosin look sober. Maybe the tea was too strong? Or perhaps they stood on the other side of the workshop and threw the punches at the rifle?

Better than early forties Fazackerlys....


ROF
12/42
(Serial # on this one was reapplied, as the first go with the electropencil vanished.)

[gerard488]

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