-
Advisory Panel
AA broad arrow stock markings?
Hey guys,
Need some Commonwealth input from this scholarly group. I'm a collector and fan of WW2 Enfields and gear. Mainly my focus for many years has been K98ks. One rifle I own, a duv 40, is obviously a Commonwealth capture. As shown below, it has an AA over broad arrow inspection marking in the buttstock and a disc inletted into the stock. These K98ks turn up. All are '41 date and earlier, most duv 41 and duv 40 (a rare code), some byf 41. Primarily they turn up with the AA stock inspection, a few with the disc.
Thread:
duv 40 Commonealth capture
Given the dates and obvious use of the rifles, and where Commonwealth forces would be best situated to haul in a bunch of '41 and earlier K98ks, my guess is they are ex-Afrika Korps rifles. The mystery is what is the AA broad arrow? Best guesses have been Allhalabad Arsenal in India, or Alexandria in Egypt. The known SMLE with such a stock stamp was an India connected unit stationed in Alexandria. Can anyone help with any definitive ID of this AA inspection?
My take is these rifles were perhaps diverted to a Commonwealth affiliated Asian country, such as Malasia, etc., for use by Military Provost/Police. I pride myself on research and a library, and good Enfield texts and can find nothing definitive. Thanks in advance for your assistance.
Regards,
Hambone
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. |
|
-
-
04-06-2010 03:38 PM
# ADS
Friends and Sponsors
-
-
-
-
Advisory Panel
I couldn't say that is an unreasonable theory. The only time I've seen these AA K98ks discussed was in several threads over the years I've initiated. I'd like to see others. I think identifying AA would be instrumental. Obviously, a large haul of captured 98ks of '41 or earlier vintage with a Commonwealth nexus would be North African campaign related. Alexandria, Egypt was a huge supply depot/port and large amounts of captured weapons went through it. Allhalabad Arsenal was a large arsenal in India which also handled captured weapons.
The inspection would indicate repair, or more likely, examination. Examination for what? Police / provost use is likely. Indeed, some of these have MP discs with a weapon/rack number (presumably). I think that these were given to a British Commonwealth for use, perhaps postwar. I've heard the Sarco / Malaysia connection and one owner states that he got his years back from these rifles. I've been at this 25+ years and never remember Sarco selling matched nice K98ks. Further, none of these have import markings, so they would have to predate the 80s.
Regards,
Hambone
-
-
Advisory Panel
-