BSA No5 Mk1---1947

[jcz68]

Hi all

I can see that this is an old post but better late than never I guess.

Just purchased a BSA No.5 Mk.1 (BK1993) in very good condition, guessing it is a 1947 build. Just have to wait for my permit to acquire to come through and I will post some images for those interested.

Was recently sold to a dealer friend by an elderly gentleman (80 I believe) entering a nursing home. It appeared to be in average condition however a days of cleaning gunk off it produced an amazingly good carbine. I would love him to know that his old girl will be cared for so I might have to track him down and get some of her history.

Now the learning begins
Cheers from Australia
John

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[lawrence_n]

Many years back, I had a chance to purchase a Long Branch #5 for (catch this!) $500.00. I did a little research, went back early the next day, and it was sold. Mind you, I was much younger and a whole lot dumber, but talk about missing the chance of a lifetime!

[Kman]

Many years back, I had a chance to purchase a Long Branch #5 for (catch this!) $500.00. I did a little research, went back early the next day, and it was sold. Mind you, I was much younger and a whole lot dumber, but talk about missing the chance of a lifetime!

That would be the chance of a lifetime, as Long Branch didn't produce No.5's! Most likely a clone, or on some extremely rare chance, a prototype.

[lawrence_n]

That would be the chance of a lifetime, as Long Branch didn't produce No.5's! Most likely a clone, or on some extremely rare chance, a prototype.

As I heard it, Long Branch made 30 prototypes for trials. The serial number on the one I saw was prefixed by an "X" (presumably for experimental) and then 2 digits. Again, from what I heard, one is in the Imperial War Museum in London, another in the Canadian War Museum, and one is in private hands. The other 27 are believed to have been destroyed.