W and F markings on TMH

[nzl1a1collector]

I'll have to keep my eyes open for a Fazakerley made Gun, so far all the ones I have seen have been Sterling and are generally in this condition.

[Peter Laidler]

The NZ Sterlings were a bit........., er....... moth-eaten KtK. I always wondered why as NZ kit was usually in a similar condition as ours. Mind you, we still had Stens at Ngaruawahia and Papakura.

My friend selected a Faz Sterling from the first NZ imported dewat batch and that was in a similarly moth eaten condition but while the paint was tatty, the phosphating was still good

[mrclark303]

I refurbished mine to its present condition, as it was very well used too, still it shows NZ got there moneys worth out of them!

---------- Post added at 01:25 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:18 PM ----------

I guess the odd Faz example like tankies must have been gifted/sold out of service, then bought by the trade abroad, imported, deactivated and sold off, shame its not an old spec Mike, but I would love a Faz example in my collection old or new spec!

[Peter Laidler]

It's a testament to George Patchett and David Howroyd that the very last spare parts manufactured there were fully interchangeable with those from the very first production guns. L2A3's I mean. Mind you, 99% were interchangeable with the earlier guns too. If not as parts, then certainly as assemblies!

Yep....., the Rolls Royce of SMG's. Talking of Rolls Royces, saw a Mustang fly over here yesterday

[Charlie303]

The NZ Sterlings were a bit........., er....... moth-eaten

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I may have have been lucky then when I got this ex-NZ L2A3 several years ago, one of the last 'old specs' from DWSUK. Finish doesn't seem too bad, probably about 70-80% of the crinkle paint left, original Sterling mag. He has several 'new specs' on his website, but doesn't specify a manufacturer. Might be worth checking if he has any Faz examples?

[Brian Dick]

There was a manufacturer in Minnesota or Wisconsin, (can't remember his name), that marketed new build "MoD" production L2A3's in the past 5-6 years or so. He used Fazakerley kits exclusively so some were obviously surplused and imported to the USA. The first ROF(F) marked guns I'd ever seen. I got to examine a couple at the SAR West show in 2010. His guns were/are lovely with the smooth paint finish. He purchased complete sets of L2A3 publications from me that he supplied in a custom wood box with the other accessories.

[desperatedan]

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I may have have been lucky then when I got this ex-NZ L2A3 several years ago, one of the last 'old specs' from DWSUK. Finish doesn't seem too bad, probably about 70-80% of the crinkle paint left, original Sterling mag. He has several 'new specs' on his website, but doesn't specify a manufacturer. Might be worth checking if he has any Faz examples?

Unlikely Charlie as he does list the serial numbers. All "KR" or "S" prefixes..... So all Sterling made.

[Peter Laidler]

1 is an interesting photo Charlie as I was never really able to ascertain whether the NZ numbers were stamped by the NZ Defence Force Inspectors (one was later my boss.......) at Sterling prior to painting or or after painting, back in NZ. That's because they were all chipped away at the end of the mag housing - that's the nature of the beast! But it LOOKS as if yours was numbered on site prior to phosphate and paint from the phosphate and paint stuck in the letters/numbers

David Howroys did tell me that certain Nations did want specific marks and numbers. They would oblige but the KR/US or S number Sterling master number was always STILL present.

What's your NZ number like KtK?

[nzl1a1collector]

The N/|\Z numbers were applied by the New Zealand Armourer's, they also did approximately the first 1000 L1A1 rifles and bayonets before they stopped the practice.

You can clearly see on my L2A3 where the markings have chipped away the Stirling paint.

It should also be noted that the N/|\Z number are not in chronological order relative to the serial numbers. It would seem they just opened box 'A' and started NZ numbering and then numbered box 'Q', 'B', 'J', 'C' etc. I would expect if it was done at Sterling before they were packed and shipped N/|\Z 1 would match up with KR24000, N/|\Z 2 (KR24001) but it certainly doesn't appear that way.

[USMCTanker]

Hello all.

I'm the fellow that posted the original inquiry at FAL Files regarding the "WF" marking on the TMH John posted a picture of. It seems that thread has run its course IRT useful information. Just thought I'd stop by and introduce myself, and thank you for taking the time to weigh in.

I've had an account here for some time, but this is my first post. Only been to the UK once when we refueled at Heathrow on our way to the ME. Flew in over London on final, and the fog and orange lights illuminating the streets of the city in February as we descended were right out of a movie. I like .30 cal. rifles, .303 Enfields ("rule number
.303"), naked wimminz, Kippling, and cold beer (but not necessarily in that order).