I bought a Bren kit

[Brit plumber]

On seeing the closeups I agree, it looks like this gun was either at the back of the stack for a while or it was sent back for rework prior to being completed and serial numbred.

Information

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[GUTS]

When I opened up the box the four reciever pieces were wired together with a very stout piece of wire, you couldn't untwist it by hand.

---------- Post added at 12:44 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:41 AM ----------

I agree with BP. A 12T gun should be from earlish 1944. The 1944 series starts from approx 11T 9xxxx to 15T 25xx. Maybe the '43 dated gas cylinder is from another parts kit. Not something you need to worry about unless you're going to havew it made into a single shotter. But rest in the knowledge that you have in your hands the finest....................... We've all said it a zillion times before so just enjoy it

Right...., listen in. DOWN, TEST AND ADJUST.................... With a magazine of 30 rounds........ wait for itttttt..... LOAD! READY (cock the gun and set the sights.....) The twin figure 11 targets will make 4 x 5 second appearances at irregular intervals over a period of 90 seconds. Fire short bursts at each target. You will be penalised for any rounds left at the end of the detail. Does anyone NOT understand the fire orders? WATCH AND SHOOT........ WATCH AND SHOOT.

I wish I had a penny for every range order I'd given for those magnificent Brens

It's a pleasure and an honor to recieve information on this great weapon from a fine Soldier like yourself, Thank you Sir!

[tankhunter]

And may I add: An Absolute pleasure to actually KNOW Peter & belong to that Exclusive Club as a fellow Member of 'The Armourers Association'!.........Pete, may I publically Thank your Mum for Bringing you into this World!

[Peter Laidler]

Thanks for your kind comments Tankie, but I just enjoy using Bren guns

Some bodies were diverted to a 'rectification bay' (sometimes called the hospital) where minor faults could be corrected - if possible. But in UK production, this would be before the guns were serially numbered because we know af a Mk1 intermediate gun (a stage between the original Mk1 and Mk1A) that would be a D or an E serial number prefix that left the factory with a H prefix.

But how this would equate to a 1944 12T gun being dated 1943 (and confirmed by BP too who has extensive records) is likely to remain a mystery.

[Brit plumber]

S.111 is the contractors mark of F. Tibbenham (S for South UK). They made wood components like Butts, Carry Handles (Defo Mk1, and I assume Mk2) and pistol grips for the Bren and I think they made other components like Lanchester stocks and Enfield Rifle Butts but I can't be sure.

[peregrinvs]

Carry Handles (Defo Mk1, and I assume Mk2)

The Mk2 carry handle on my Monotype MkII is S111 marked, as is the butt. The pistol grip is unmarked. Going by the colour and grain, they're all made from the same type of wood. (North American Walnut?)

[Peter Laidler]

Frederick Tibbenham, known as Tibbies locally.. Also made Mk5 Sten gun butts from imported Canadian blanks and SMLE bayonet grips from the Bren offcuts. I have a long letter from a lady that worked there as an examiner during the war. I reproduce it virtually verbatim in the Bren book. I went to see her as a result. What a memory and pleasure to speak to her.

They also mark their work with FT in a diamond. That was her......................

[Midmichigun]

Yep, I would be firing that thing! I just like the look and reliability of a Bren. Over the weekend, I was looking at my SA BREN parts. Also ran across a few barrels....
Thanks for posting... and egging me on!

[GUTS]

I appologize for the nit-picky questions but you know how we are, wanting to know what every little mark means. I have one more, when I put the guts inside the reciever and assemble the gun, what is supposed to catch the protruding piece on the bolt carrier so the charging handle pulls everything back? My charging handle just slides right past without catching anything.

[Brit plumber]

I dont know if this will help but here you are. The protrusion on the bolt carrier catches on the end of the cocking handle slide. I can only guess that either the protrusion on the bolt carrier is damaged or the end of the slide is. The protrusion on the bolt carrier is part of the Piston post cotter so is a easy fix.