Interesting L-59A1

[limpetmine]

For your consideration, an L-59A1 that has some color on the bands. In addition to the usual white DP bands, this one has a green band on the butt stock. The wood is dry, and in need of a little hand rubbing with some linseed oil. That is significant about this rifle is that the base rifle is a Savage, 1942 No. 4 Mk1 (no star). OK, they made more than a few of these, but this one is about 2,000 higher (later) than the latest No. 4 Mk1 on the Gunboards Savage serial number sticky. There obviously was some serious overlap on the Mk1 and the Mk1*. The Savage stamp has been crudely removed, but one trace remains. I have posted a picture of another 1942 Savage Mk1 for comparison.
What do you think the SP stands for?

Information

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[limpetmine]

comparison of the left receiver wall
.
.
In the last picture, you can see the faint "I" of the MkI stamping, and the --- on the right side of the 1942, the only remaining original markings. A neat little find.

[Beerhunter]

Coloured stripes were often used by Army Cadet Force detachments so as to be able to identify the detachment's rifles more easily when they were working with their Group or County (Sector in London).

BTW I would REALLY like an L59. Does anyone know of a source?

[Peter Laidler]

It is definately the real McCoy. Don't let it go as their exact status will be ascertained reasonably soon

[Lance]

There is a pricey one right now on AuctionArms:

http://www.auctionarms.com/search/di...6844&oh=216543

[tlvaughn]

Congratulations on a great find. I was wondering when you were going to post the pics. I ended up buying the other L59A1 (Savage) they were selling. It started off as a No4 MkI*, was converted to a No4 MkI/3, and ended up as an L59A1.

[Brit plumber]

Nice find! If you find another, I'm desperate for one too!

[Sht_LE]

Nice. I have not seen many Savage L59A1s. Most of the ones I have personal handled have been made from Mk.IIs or Mk.I/2s.

Does anyone know the actual BATFE standing on the L59A1 in the U.S.? i.e. is it a gun or not? From what I have seen it appears they are treated the same as a "live" rifle.

[limpetmine]

I called the ATF a few weeks ago and the answer was "send it in" and let them look at it, and make a determination. I have to pay freight both ways.
Having spent all and then some of my fun money, this last month, this will have to wait.

Nice. I have not seen many Savage L59A1s. Most of the ones I have personal handled have been made from Mk.IIs or Mk.I/2s.

Does anyone know the actual BATFE standing on the L59A1 in the U.S.? i.e. is it a gun or not? From what I have seen it appears they are treated the same as a "live" rifle.

By the by,
I'm looking for a Long Branch L-59A1, and will trade this one or the other I have, which is a Mk II for a LB.

[Steve H. in N.Y.]

When Navy Arms was selling these some years ago they were handled as non-guns and required no license for mail order purchase...for whatever that's worth.