NOS No1 forend identification?

[Garandy]

This forend showed up in the mail yesterday. Any idea who made it and where? What type of wood is it?

If it isn't NOS, I'd be surprised as I don't think it has ever been fitted.

The only possible damage I can see is what appears to be a chip missing on the inside of the receiver mortise on the right side near the draws (in the last picture). Anyone see anything to be concerned about here?

Thanks

Information

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[Roger Payne]

The fore ends are walnut & they were made at RSAF Enfield. I think (someone will correct me if I am wrong) that they are amongst the last of UK SMLE woodwork production, dating from the 1950's. I think they were made as spares for existing rifles. I have a few in my workshop, stashed away for a rainy day!

[Garandy]

Thanks Roger. The pics I saw prior to purchasing weren't the best, but I figured I couldn't lose for the price unless it was kindling when it showed up. Then I'd have used my return privileges. I speculated this might be Walnut, but I wasn't 100%. Maybe I'll trip over some NOS handguards to match now.

[Roger Payne]

You see hand guards for sale on 'that internet auction site' from time to time (at least on the .co.uk site), but they tend to be sold for pretty horrendous prices. I think I saw new rear guards up for as much as 75 pounds apiece...........& SMLE butts are even harder to find!

[user1]

What's the old saying "a crook bit of walnut is still better than the best of any other timber " or something like that

[Strangely Brown]

I think I saw new rear guards up for as much as 75 pounds apiece...........& SMLE butts are even harder to find!

I believe the "chandelier's" in the Surrey Hut at Bisley are made from SMLE butts, the story is that Fultons wanted rid of them in the 1970's and they ended up hanging from the ceiling!

[Roger Payne]

They'd better keep an eye on them now then!

P.S. Meant to say front guards at 75 pounds in post above. Rear guards tend not to be that expensive, but still dear enough.

[Garandy]

SMLE butts are even harder to find!

Just received a NOS Walnut long length No 1 butt in the mail today. An excellent match to my forend, and thankfully it was down right affordable.

Chasing handguards presently. I have NOS rears located, a front handguard seems like it will be real tough to find.

[Surpmil]

That forend looks like it was made on a pantograph judging by the irregularities in the inletting. Very much doubt it would have got past inspectors looking like that. Certainly doesn't look like anything that was produced at RSAF Enfield IMHO.
Still, it has some convincing looking dust inside, could a stack of "seconds" have been sitting around this long? Possible, but doubtful and if it was a second, even more doubtful it would bear the Enfield stamp - something easily made in an Asian workshop these days.

[Bindi2]

It looks used to me. .ifferent colour in the bands and bayonet boss area. A piece missing between well and main screw. Looks like a bearing polish at the draws closet to the camera.