Interesting MLM

[boltaction]

Hi all:
I'm curious about this Lee Metford--it is an 1892 production, Mk I*, which at some point supposedly went back for conversion to 2, I assume, as it is stamped with a "2" on the right butt socket under the I* and also on the receiver (see photos). The buttstock was presumably restamped at that time, as the roundel has a 1900 date--I can't imagine that an 1892 production receiver would otherwise be wearing a 1900 dated stock, especially since it still has the steel buttplate. However, there are a few things I don't understand about this rifle. If it was upgraded to Mk II status, it should have had the bolt changed to the later pattern without the screw on dust cover, and should have had the magazine changed to the 10 round configuration. Perhaps the front stock would have been changed as well to lose the grasping groove, but maybe not, but certainly I would have expected that second piling swivel on the front band to disappear.

So, as you can see from the photos, this is an all matching 1892 production with the 8 round magazine, early pattern stock, twin piling swivels, steel buttplate, etc, but it's got a 1900 dated stock roundel and a "2" on the receiver, unless that means something different than an upgrade?? The issue disk in the buttstock is for 1900 as well; does anyone know what regiment EK would be?

This isn't the only somewhat odd MLM I have--I have a 1903 production one as well with all early features, but I had an excellent reply from one of our members "Down Under" who stated that there were a number of production runs done using earlier parts, including a run for NZ in 1903, but those seem to have been datestamped for when they were made. Could this be one of those later production units, using an earlier dated receiver???? Lee Metford dates?--Photos added

Thoughts?

Thanks.

Ed

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