New member with a question - Lee Speed Carbine: Jameson Raid and other questions

[Wallace66]

Apologies if this is the wrong forum.

Acquired a Number 3 trade pattern BSA Lee Speed carbine earlier in the year and trying to piece together the story.

Appears to have been in both Boer and Commonwealth forces (Doyle Scouts) hands, refer to attached photos. There is a slim probability it may have been one of the captured carbines from the Jameson Raid? Serial number 1304.

Have been down the google rabbit hole of investigation regarding the markings on the carbine, with success, but one exception.

The last marking has everyone stumped, the V in the circle on the right hand of breech.

Could this be a mark for Vickers Steel?