1924 Ish BSA Commercial, South African Property Mark

[Omark]

I'm not entirely sold that this is a Union of South Africa rifle, do you have any idea of the provenance of this rifle? The Broad Arrow is deeply struck so one would think that the U would have been just as deeply struck. I have a civilian purchase M.L.E. that was taken on strength by the New Zealand government and the N --> Z is readily apparent, as is the sold out of service stamp --><-- which your rifle does not have.
Makers stamps on the barrel groove of the fore end are common and the R is most likely one of the multitude of sub-contractors that made parts for the rifles. I have a magazine with Linley & Co. stamped on the cartridge follower.
The T on the Knox Form usually suggests 'Telescopic' as far as I know. Anyway, hopefully someone will probably come along with greater certitude than I.

Your NZ marked rifle may not be a civilian purchase. Around 1911 the NZ Government purchased a large number of barrels from BSA for their refurbishment program. When they arrived they had “receivers attached”. They were then fitted to the existed woodwork. So many of the long Tom’s in NZ are thus BSA commercial actions including those from the Canadian purchase.

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Jc5]

Your NZ marked rifle may not be a civilian purchase. Around 1911 the NZ Government purchased a large number of barrels from BSA for their refurbishment program. When they arrived they had “receivers attached”. They were then fitted to the existed woodwork. So many of the long Tom’s in NZ are thus BSA commercial actions including those from the Canadian purchase.

Very interesting! Thanks for posting. Where do you come by this information about the NZ purchase?

[BurtonP]

Very interesting! Thanks for posting. Where do you come by this information about the NZ purchase?

The purchase from Canada part is documented in "Defending the Dominion", which coincidentally I've just read about.

[Jc5]

The purchase from Canada part is documented in "Defending the Dominion", which coincidentally I've just read about.

Yes, it is documented in that book that Canada sold 15,000 MK I rifles to NZ in 1913, but there is no mention of BSA or of the barrels having actions attached. I'm eager to know where I can learn more about that. Thanks!

[CoatiMundi]

Here is a pic of the London Proof.

As far as "Provenance", I got it from a shop in New York, USA. That is all I know.
Thanks for the replies so far.

[Sapper740]

Your NZ marked rifle may not be a civilian purchase. Around 1911 the NZ Government purchased a large number of barrels from BSA for their refurbishment program. When they arrived they had “receivers attached”. They were then fitted to the existed woodwork. So many of the long Tom’s in NZ are thus BSA commercial actions including those from the Canadian purchase.

Interesting. Although my M.L.E. was taken on strength by the New Zealand government I don't think it was ever issued for general service, it's simply in too good of a shape, both the metalwork and the furniture. It has an AJ Parker Twin Zero sight mounted using a No. SP3 mounting plate which wouldn't be installed on a rifle issued to troops. It was rebarrelled in 1929 and then again only two years later suggesting it was used significantly during that time and with no war ongoing, target shooting must have been what caused the wear.

[CoatiMundi]

Here are pictures of both sides of the receiver and barrel.

Took it to the range today and it functions perfectly. Steel at 100 yards is no problem.

I included a picture if the rear sight. Does anyone know what the cog wheel with a "T" in the center represents?

Also, the receiver does not have any numbers on the flat rear part. It has a stylized "A" on the right side.

[Mk VII]

It's a mark found on Lithgow-produced components.

Does anyone know what the cog wheel with a "T" in the center represents?