Assistance request on Savage/Stevens No.4 Mk 1*, please

[Roger Payne]

It just depends on how the operator was holding the letter stamp at the time.
I'm sure I've seen it (B) before & if I had to bet I wouldn't put my money on it being the combined LB. I have no idea for certain what it is, but my money would be on an inspector's/acceptance stamp of some sort as has been previously suggested.

The bolt body looks to be UK (likely Maltby) & the bolt head also, bearing the distinctive stylised M of Maltby. I see the mark/ding that has been interpreted as a flaming bomb US ordnance mark on it, adjacent to the M, but I don't think that is what it is; maybe some sort of examiner's mark ill stamped, &/or bashed at some point. Savage made No4 bolt heads usually bear a prominent squared off S on the top flat. I think if the bolt head had been SMLE the letter would indeed likely refer to the grade of steel used in its manufacture, but AFAIK that had stopped by the time the No4 went into production.

Just my tuppence........would appreciate further opinions, as would the OP, I'm sure!