RIF 1927 Marking

[jmoore]

It is rather unusual. If it weren't for the very clear photo, I wouldn't have given it a second glance. But it almost looks like a Kyber pass marking rather than the usual Indian rework mark. I've had a great heap of Indian rifle remnants (swapped a bunch of M60 parts for 'em on one of my stupider days) and that's just weird.

Information

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[Brian Dick]

I have a 1917 Ishapore Mk.III* with the same mark dated 1923. The only difference is that the Broad Arrow is centered between the R and F with the I below it. It's the Ishapore FTR mark of the inter war era.

[chris.gsr]

Ok guys. Here are some more photos of the other markings.

[Peter Laidler]

Are we saying that RFI is Rifle Factory Ishapore but RIF (with W-D arrow above I) is Rifle Factory India?

[TonyE]

Yes, I am saying that RFI is Rifle Factory Ishapore, but that the other mark is "RF" for "Rifle Factory" and the "Broad Arrow over I" is not for Ishapore but is the Indian ownership mark.

All the Dominions had their individual government ownership marks. Canada was a Broad Arrow within C, South Africa was a Broad Arrow within U, India was a Broad Arrow over I. It is just a coincidence that the Indian rifle factory began with the letter "I", the same as India.

I will try to find the formal introduction from 1896.

Regards
Tony

[TonyE]

I had a quick look but could not find the general introduction, but I did find this List of Change paragraph showing the ownership mark to be applied to .45 inch machine Gun ammunition made for India.

Regards
TonyE

[jrhead75]

The "Arrow over I" mark for Indian gov't ownership also appears on bladed weapons. I have a P'85 cavalry sword so marked.