Lee Enfield No4 Mk1* Longbranch Bolt Renumbered

[Alan de Enfield]

Could it be one of the Italian navy ones ? I believe most of them were Longbranch. I have one with the receiver being re matched to the bolt. They could have found a bolt with a close number and re matched it that way round.

Quite possible in 'civvy land' but totally impossible in the military.

The body was the master componet and that number would be logged throughout its manufacture and suppy into stores, and the number noted in the Soldiers pay-book.

ALL numbered componants (furniture, magazine, bolt etc) were numbered to the body.

It'd be easier to change a single marking (on the bolt) than every marking on each component, the soldiers record book, the stores goods inwards and issuing books etc.

If a soldier was caught with the wrong rifle - he'd be on a serious charge.

[RangeHound]

Thanks everyone. I decided to pass on the rifle.