As the Long Branches flood in...

[Cantom]

By very lucky coincidence last week I asked dealer JP in Quebec if he knew where I could find a 1941 No 4 Mk I Long Branch. He said he actually had one for sale. I was totally unaware of it before but I've been told that several members on here had seen his ad before. After seeing a few pics I said I'll take it and today I received it.
It's a very nice rifle! OL 79XX, so not as early as some. In fact, if they only made 7555 or something like that in 1941, wouldn't that be a late 41? It is definitely a No 4 Mk I, and I have heard that there are No 4 Mk I * 41's in existence...so it's not as late as they get.
Bore is very bright indeed, it has a 42 LB barrel which looks to be a 5 groove. Bolt and receiver numbers match, in fact all parts appear original and unchanged on first glance. Receiver finish is still the LB greyish bluing, thankfully not Suncorite. Wood appears to be maple. Buttplate is Zanac.
I see traces of cosmoline in the LB Mk I rear sight, the aperture is plugged with it.
On the left receiver, the Brits have electropenciled the Serial Number and FTR right over the Long Branch stamping for some reason known only to them. Otherwise virtually original. If you hold it at the right angle you can't see the electropencil.
Bolt head is a 0. Headspace is perfect.


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