Quote Originally Posted by RangeRover View Post
I've come across a couple of L-E that I'm quite interested in. I've only had time for a cursory glance at both, but plan to take a closer look soon. The quick glance, combined with my limited Enfield experience, means I have a couple of questions I hope some folks here can answer.

The first rifle is a '44 Long Branch Mk I* - all matching in great shape, but I didn't see any C-Broad arrow markings in my quick scan. Nor are there any other distinguishable country ownership markings. There is what might be a three-digit rack number on the buttstock. Is this common, and what does the lack of such markings indicate?

The second is a very early pre-WW1 Enfield No. 1 Mk III (no star) - bolt matching. It has what looks like a small C-Broad arrow on the top of the receiver, but I need to take a closer look there as well. Would that be a standard location for such a marking? There's also a faint FTR under the Enfield/year stamp on the butt socket. My question here is, during an FTR, would any and all parts replaced be re-stamped to match the receiver S/N? The nosecap and rear sight #s do not match, the stock does not have any volley sight remnants, but it has the cutoff in place, so I just want to find out if this is an after-market put-together assemblage or not.

Thanks in advance.
Hello RangeRover !

To the No. 4 : a good friend has also an Long Branch No.4 with no visible markings. The only markings are under the forestock on the barrel. It was all original we bought it direct from the RAF Arsenal.
To the No1. : Sometimes you can find the broad arrow on different parts. It was not unusual to have this marking 2- or 3 times on one rifle and only one on an other. But i couldnt tell you that this one was combined at FTR.
Pictures where helpful.

Gunner