Questions on a 1917 LSA that has been FTR'd

[MGWLLW]

Good morning everyone. I bought this rifle from a member of another forum that I frequent and received it earlier this week. After looking it over, I have several questions:

1. Is that a South African property mark?

2. If so, can I assume that the FTR was done in South Africa in 1944 when a new barrel was installed?

3. While the buttstock looks like walnut (original buttstock?), is the forend beech and handguards Australian coachwood? Wouldn't the timber that was used during an FTR have been of the same type for all pieces that required replacement?

If this rifle has been shot since FTR, it hasn't been much, as the bore is in excellent condition. I'm just trying to understand the probable travels of this mixmaster rifle a little better. Any help on shedding some light on its history would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Mike

Information

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[MGWLLW]

More pictures

[jmoore]

Looks like British barrel installed in '44. Beech fore stock. Not sure what the line through the "U" means, if anything.

[Peter Laidler]

I thought offhand that the line through the U would/might mean a RSA Ordnance sale mark?

[jmoore]

I thought offhand that the line through the U would/might mean a RSA Ordnance sale mark?

RobD Posted this reply (See Post #7 in the following thread linked below):

Another "what does this marking mean" question... (sorry guys)

"When rifles were sold out of service from the Union of South Africa (1910-1961) the "correct" stamp would have been a U with a diamond in it...."

So either the arrows pointing at at each other or the above? A single line? Can't think of a reference offhand.

[MGWLLW]

RobD Posted this reply (See Post #7 in the following thread linked below):

Another "what does this marking mean" question... (sorry guys)

"When rifles were sold out of service from the Union of South Africa (1910-1961) the "correct" stamp would have been a U with a diamond in it...."

So either the arrows pointing at at each other or the above? A single line? Can't think of a reference offhand.

So if I understand correctly what has been said, this rifle's FTR was most likely completed in England during WWII (1944) and the line through the South African property mark may signify it being sold out of service, although the proper stamp would have been a diamond in the U if it was done prior to 1961?

I very much appreciate the input and just want to make sure that I have a clear understanding.

[jmoore]

I think that's about as clear as you can hope.