To stamp or not to stamp

[jonh172]

As many have seen, I was fortunate enough to stumble on a No.4T barreled action and am almost ready to start the restoration.

Big question is, once colimation of bracket is complete, would I be commiting cardinal sin by stamping the rifle serial on it?
Sane question goes for scope serial on butt.

I know the general idea is once I'm long gone or rifle is passed on it may be sold as a legit T sniper, but would it be so incorrect??

Information

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[Peter Laidler]

Not at all. Just go ahead. It makes no difference. It just means that later on down the line the new owner knows that he's got the correct bracket on the rifle and correct telescope in the bracket. Just my take on things

[Roger Payne]

Personally, I think an honest mis-match looks far better than a rifle that has been obviously stamped up AFTER it left military service. Peter would have re-matched rifles often, but that was in his official capacity, & to me at least, that makes a big difference.
I have, well, a number of 4T's, most of which are honest mis-matches, & I'm perfectly happy with them. But of course, it's your rifle, so what you do with it is entirely your decision.....

[capt14k]

Stamping serial is completely wrong. Especially if you scrub an original number. Armorers could do that. Collectors can not. It is called Humping.

Makes me wonder how many rifles across all types are humped. Many probably were not even humped for profit.

Guy stamps his rifle he will never sell. Then he dies. Wife sells rifle to dealer. Dealer sells rifle to unsuspecting collector as all matching and at a huge mark up.

[browningautorifle]

I have to agree that if you stamp a number now you're making it look original...and after you part with it the rifle will be touted as original.

[Ridolpho]

Jonh: They left H&H without a stamped number so I would suggest just leaving it blank or electropencilling the rifle serial on the back to help keep it together with the rifle (after all the effort you've gone to to collimate it). Nothing good can come from post service stamping in a manner meant to replicate the real thing. Just one opinion.

Ridolpho

[Patrick Chadwick]

To come to an acceptable conclusion, I suggest you reflect on these questions:

1) Is it a legal requirement?
(no)
2) Is it necessary for the correct functioning of the rifle?
(no)
3) Is it misleading for a possible future purchaser/user who does not know that you did the stamping?
(yes)

---------- Post added at 06:49 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:47 PM ----------

in a manner meant to replicate the real thing.

... is quite simply fraudulent.

[jonh172]

Thanks guys, lots to go on here.

Just to clarify, if I haven't already, I do not plan to commit any act of fraud, this is simply to replicate what actually happened to these rifles once they were setup CORRECTLY. (I emphasize correctly as I wouldn't even consider stamping of bracket not collimated).

I would like to remind or at least inform all that this rifle is in fact a legitimate 1943 no.4mk1T that I purchased as a stripped barreled action to further relieve the minds of those that believe this to be a distasteful fakery.

The idea that an individual may conceive the rifle as original in the distant future certainly does disuad me, but given the bracket will be collimated to the rifle would also be a good record to ensure that bracket stays with this rifle.

Perhaps as suggested a serial etched or stamped on the rear would satisfy both sides...?

Anyway, thanks again everyone!

Build thread to follow!

[AD-4NA]

I am about to have the same dilemma when finishing my No4t restoration and think I have decided that I will stamping the correct number of digits for the serial in "X"s in the replacement stock on the wrist besides marking the date of restoration somewhere in the forend. It will sort of be an effort towards an authentic detail that does not stray too far towards sacrilege but in addition if anyone ever stamps a fake serial or S51 into the stock later or sands it off it will look very, very odd.

[browningautorifle]

Not too much one can say when you've decided. I don't have to worry anyway, I won't be challenged with buying it later.