Probably a silly question

[john Brandon]

This is more likely a very easy answer for some, but it has me stumped. I've checked the books that I have, and all the resources available and I still cannot nail this one down. The markings are on the top of the barrel, just in front of the receiver, and it's on a BSA 1915 dated SMLE. I know it has the wrong bolt/cocking piece, and none of it matches, but I have just got my RFD and a few of these became available at the right price.
Not that it makes any difference to the price, I'm just very intrigued...................

thanks in advance

Information

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[Robert303]

I believe it is an Italian mark for Terni arsenal. It may be the Italian version of an FTR in the UK. Source for this is:- http://personal.stevens.edu/~glibera...o/changes.html

[john Brandon]

Wow, that is impressive Thanks. didn't know the Italians used SMLE's? Shipped over there after WW2 perhaps (49 being the date I guess). The bore is virtually mint

Thanks so much

[Robert303]

I do not know the whole story but when the Italians switched sides in the war or just after the war they received a whole lot of UK rifles. These were in store until a few years ago. I heard the bolts were stored seperately. A number of big batches were sold off and I believe the dregs are surfacing from a holding somewhere in the U.K.

[Promo]

Enfield Rifles FROM ITALIAN NAVY

[john Brandon]

I wouldn't say that I ended up with the Dregs, I managed to get 8 in great condition, most with matching numbers, this is one that wasn't, and it baffled me. Thanks for your help on this. That link is very interesting ,.....

[Simon P]

I have had 40 or so of these rifles in the past 2 years, and have only seen these Markings on the left side of the Butt of the ones we had come through. It great provenience of where the rifles have been and is all part of their history

[RobD]

At a prewar diplomatic conference, the Nazi Foreign Minister Ribbentrop said to Churchill that if there was another war, the Italians would be on Germany's side.
To which Churchill replied: "That seems only fair, we had them last time."