My new Lee-Enfield No. 4 Mk. I

[Matt Richards]

Hi folks! Already owning a 1918 BSA SMLE, I decided to pick up the World War II edition -- a $99 rusty No. 4 Mk. I at my local gun shop. Although the shop gunsmith said it is unsafe to fire (and I believe him), the rust is mostly surface stuff that comes off easily with WD40 and light rubbing with 0000 steel wool.The stock is in beautiful condition. There are a few questions I have though --

The wrist reads
ROF
? 42
U21783 A



From what I understand, this is an early rifle made at Fazakerly and has the 'A' suffix added to the serial number because of non-interchangeable parts. The serial number matches on the wrist, barrel, bolt handle and forestock. Interestingly, the front handguard and front band appear to be marked with the little S in a square, which I understand is the U.S Savage logo.



Part of the cocking piece looks like it is marked FY MK 11. Not sure what that means.



The buttstock has a large number '62' written in yellow paint on the left side. It is also stamped into the wood need the butt swivel, with what looks like the same yellow paint flowed into the indentations. Any idea what these numbers would signify? The butt also has several stampings of '6's (or '9's?), 'R's and one 'F.'





The buttplate is a strange light gray color -- is this steel? It has 'ILCO' in an oval cast on the rear of it.

Thanks for any help you can give!

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