1944 Long Branch No.4 MK1* T

[Lee Enfield]

Maybe it's time we had a "Notable Fakes" thread? I was reminded of a few while looking through old photos the other day.

The marks on the barrel reinforce are original IMO as they are under the original finish. Also the burr on the edge of the Nock's Form is in the direction of tightening, not loosening. Unusual to see on a LB rifle, but 1943 was their busiest/most urgent year I believe. But as the rifle is 1944, the 1943 barrel is suspect for that reason alone. However, 60L is very early in 1944 so perhaps just a barrel produced late the year before?

Amusing that Mr. RFD did not get the numbers right when he sent the bracket off for engraving.

I have never seen a bolt head face ground in that manner before; anyone else? Might be a "signature"?

Presumably whoever bought it in 2013 realized it was a fake and kept the Chest No15 and sold on the rifle. Has the chest or photos of it turned up anywhere?

A 1944 LB would have a fabricated trigger guard AFAIK, and this one looks like UK production to boot.

And Lee Enfield, the relief hole and the area around it look odd for a LB MkI bolt, don't you think? Could be just the photo of course. (And as you pointed out, no chance of that bolt being on a 1944 rifle)

The "T" stamp warrants close examination. I see an interesting feature I won't specify here (no need to tutor fakers), which I think will be clear to those who have genuine LB rifles.

Likewise the inside of the rear pad fitting - I won't point out the details, but it should be obvious, are 4BA screws hard to get in some places? Is that steel wool or swarf in the hole!?

I was looking at the previously posted photos earlier this morning, and I am 100% certain that the rifle is faked.

There are 2 things that haven't been pointed out (on the open forum anyway) that:
#1) to my experience with LB snipers absolutely screams fake
#2) Is easier to see, and (on it's own) makes it very unlikely to be real.

As you say, no sense in giving the fakers a primer, as they are getting far too good.