Looking for information, No. 4 Mk1* with a bunch of markings

[Vertigasen]

Hello everyone,

I am new here, and just picked up my first "older" rifle, and not really sure of that much about it. I bought it from a kid, who said it was "taking up room in my closet." He said his father gave it to him, and it was his father's father's rifle. The kid was a little feminine, so I don't think a rifle was his cup of tea. I didn't pay much at all for it. Here is what I can find on it.....

Lee Enfield (Savage made) Lend Lease Program
SN: 53C1264 (same stamp on the bottom of the stock near the end of the barrel)
There is a B under the serial number.
A large block S is stamped ahead of the model number No4 MkI*
Large stamp US PROPERTY on receiver
Block S on bolt head
A funky symbol (maybe crown) with BNP stamped under it
There is a J stamped in the stock just in front of the mag well
There are several stamps under the buttstock....
G283
A single large 6 facing a different direction than the G283
Under the large 6, facing the same direction is a T
Closer to the receiver there is the square S inside a box
A large 7 facing the same direction as the G283
28W facing the opposite direction of the 7 and G283
On the right side of the buttstock ER has been stamped
on the serial number band, on the opposite side from the serial, the number 40 is stamped
on the band near the barrel, top and bottom, are stamped with the squared S in a box
There is quite a bit of green paint in the metal parts of the rifle, it appears pretty thick, but I am leaving it alone.
There is a flip up rear site with adjustment marks, and a push button slide lock



This is what I can find on it. I have "read" a lot of information, and half of it contradicts the other half.

Thanks for the info!

J

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.

[Badger]

Here's a link that will help with official markings.

It's a site provided by Amatikulu with some good information to bookmark for the future.

Lee Enfield Rifle Markings (click here)

Regards,
Doug

[Vertigasen]

Badger-

Thank you very much for the link. I was able to find what the BNP under the crown represented, but that was about it. I knew about the squared S in the box.

I have searched the internet, and I see a lot of markings, but none that match mine, in the same places. I think the B under the serial number is for BSA, meaning it was tested by the UK Government, and the BNP shows that it passed.....then again, I might be wrong.

Thanks,
Jason

[breakeyp]

The metal green paint is original and proper for WWII in all theaters of operation. It was authorized as an anti rust measure replacing a prewar mineral jelly. Please don't remove as most were stripped of the paint during post war upgrades.

[browningautorifle]

A good honest old No4 by Savage. Well used but looks good. I think you'll fine the BNP is from when it was exported from the UK, not when it was accepted. The charger bridge appears to have been repaired at one time by the spot weld that was often done when it became loose. Give us a minute, the rest of your markings will be deciphered for you shortly. I wouldn't do too much to that rifle. It'll show and shoot just fine I expect...now, you need the correct bayonet. They're also marked with the Savage S...and the scabbard is a Victory Plastics with fixed frog. Like this...

[Mk VII]

Badger-

I have searched the internet, and I see a lot of markings, but none that match mine, in the same places. I think the B under the serial number is for BSA, meaning it was tested by the UK Government, and the BNP shows that it passed.....then again, I might be wrong.

The B was applied at Savage-Stevens, and it was done as part of the final operations on the gun.
I have a file here of the routing operations done on the (not many) components that S-S made in-house which I am slowly transcribing into an Excel format.

[Vertigasen]

Thank you for the replies!

I am a medically retired Army guy. I loved my job, even after being injured by an IED. I now want to start collecting older, WWII era weapons. I got this for less than $200, and I figure this will be a good place to start. I don't plan on changing anything! I want the rifle to speak for what it has been through, and what it has done, not how good I can make it look.

Again, thank you for the help.

Jason

Current gun list -
Glock 19 G3
Glock 30S
Glock 34 G3
Glock 42
Beretta M9 (Wilsonized)
Beretta M9A1
Beretta 92FS
Magnum Research 1911
Sig Sauer P220 Carry
Sig Sauer P220 Extreme
Sig Sauer P229 DAO (converted to DA/SA)
CZ 97 B
Thompson Center Venture "Dream Season" .270
Thompson Center Venture 22-250
Tikka T3 .223
Remington 700 30-06
Savage 10T .308
**Current build in progress - Howa 1500 Action, 24" Heavy Barrel, Richards Laminate Stock 300 WinMag
AR's? About 6 of them, all build by me!

[Ridolpho]

Vertigasen: Welcome to the forum- it's amazing what the resident experts here know! Judging from your current collection you'll probably be using this one at the range and it'll be interesting to see how it does. Regarding the markings, I believe I've heard that the FR on the butt may reflect arsenal work in India which would also be consistant with the generous application of tropical paint. I have a former Indian No. 5 with this paint and the metal is pristine underneath parts that have worn off. I agree with leaving the green paint on as an important part of the guns history. Many Savage No. 4's were sent to India. From my experiences shooting No. 4's in varying condition I would suggest checking that the forend fits snugly in the "draws" and that the front triggerguard screw is clamping the wood securely before shooting it. Enjoy building your collection.

Ridolpho