No. 4 Mk 1 (T) bolt mismatch - how much does it hurt value?

[Roger Payne]

I would agree with Paul. In fact the only 4T's I've noted where you get a perfect colour match (usually) between the cheekpiece, fore end, guards, & butt, is on Canadian T's, as all of the wood is invariably American black walnut, including the 'piece. In the UK, whilst most rifles were set up in walnut the wood was not generally used for cheekpieces, which are most commonly beech & less commonly ash & stained birch. Consequently, there will generally be at least a slight variation in colour, & sometimes a quite noticeable variation.

I also thought the bolt handle has been lengthened & fitted with an over size bolt knob. Ironically, it looks to have been quite nicely done. Shame, but not the end of the world, particularly if reflected in the price. The original bolt handle knob would have had a hole counter bored in it, typical of BSA throughout their No4 production history.

Added later: I forgot to mention earlier but if the rifle body lacks the side wall 'T' it may well be a 'scopeless T' as bigwagon suggests.