1924 Ish BSA Commercial, South African Property Mark

[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.

[Jc5]

Well, there it is...the London Proof mark. Very unusual to see Birmingham and London proofs on same barrel, but obviously the barrel was re-proofed in London post-1954. The original Birmingham BM proof (which after 1925 was used by BOTH proof houses for military chambered rifles, according to Wirnsberger) could have been applied anytime between 1920 and 1939. So the barrel at least is post-WWI, and was re-proofed in London. Are there any other London proof or view marks on the action? I see something above these serial number on the right side of the action, but cannot make it out from the photo.

[CoatiMundi]

Thanks for the information, this one is well traveled .
The mark on top of the receiver looks very much to me like a badly struck “U” with a broad arrow. Possibly one of the No1’s the South African Government “borrowed” from private persons at the beginning of WWII?
jc5, since you mentioned it, I think there is a second crossed swords with a letter mark on the bottom of the barrel. I will see if I can figure out the letter.

[Jc5]

The action must be post-WWI as well, otherwise we would see the 1904 Birmingham proofs on it.

Would you please post a photo of the RH side of the action and barrel, to show all markings there? Also, is there a number on the top-rear fiat part of the action (where the bolt slides in)?

And yes, if you make out the letters and numbers on the crossed scepter we might be able to date it from that.

[Mk VII]

Some dealers will reprove, just to keep themselves covered, if there's any doubt. Bolt replaced, barrel swapped from another gun.

[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.

[Jc5]

Following up to ask Omark for more info on what he wrote: "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." Where can I learn more about this? Thanks!

[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?

[CoatiMundi]

Interesting. The cog wheel on mine is stamped over another English (I think) inspection stamp on the rear sight. The sight is serial matched to the rifle.