1943 BSA No. 4 Mk 1 (T) Less Telescope- low serial number.

[corco]

Do you think this is a real No 4 mk 1 (T) Less Telescope or is it a regular No 4 Mk 1 with a (T) stock and scope added to it? I am wondering if it is a very early No 4 mk 1 (T) Less Telescope that was set aside for later conversion?

The reason why I am suspicious is:

1) Because the scope number does not match what is stamped on the rear butt stock. Did they line out the old serial number and put a new one in if the scope was replaced for a FTR? If not then the scope was replaced before 1946. This may be the reason for the FTR stamp?

2) The scope pad screws are not staked so they don't turn. This was required after 1946.

3) Did Holland and Holland stamp the S on the front right of the receiver near the wood line on the partially converted rifles?

4) Did Holland and Holland stamp the buttstock handgrip with "S51" in the partially converted rifles?

5) It looks like the 4 digit serial number was added after the Suncorite finish was applied. Is this a common procedure?

6) From what I have seen the serial number is usually has a letter in front of it. Is this always true?

7) Additionally where the No. 4 Mark 1 is in the picture the rifles serial number is supposed to be there instead or in addtion to, correct?

8) The scope mount has a different serial number on it.

From the other post it states that a partially converted 1943 is not common -

Milsurps Knowledge Library - 1942 No.4 Mk1*(T) Savage Sniper Rifle (less scope)

"It is hypothesized that these rifles were placed on the side and which ever crate was on top that bunch of rifles were put into production during slow times. Near the end of the war this supply of rifles were partially converted by the addition of scope pads, modified rear sight, and cheek piece; but they were never paired with a scope or mount. Per the records over 3,400 rifles were partially converted at the end of the war mostly comprising of 1941-42 Savage Mk I and Mk I* and 1944-45 BSA Mk I (surprisingly a 1943 dated example has appeared recently!)"

Pictures at the following link:

1943 BSA No 4 Mk 1 T Less Telescope Photos by bsdncorco | Photobucket

Thank you for your input!

Corco

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