No4 Mk1 questions

[Butch Parker]

Hello.I have a No4 Mk1 that has some markings on it that I would like to know about. Some I think I understand but I'll include them anyhow. Here goes, On the right side under the adjustable sight is stamped "No4 Mk1 ROF (F) 11/43". Just forward of that is "No4 Mk1 (F) FTR" under that is "JA 26870 A"(Where the JA is Electro Penciled and the numerals look stamped and the last "A" looks Electro Penciled.
The "JA26870 A" is Electro Penciled on the bolt handle. On the the muzzle is stamped "NP" ".303" "2.22" under that is either "18-1/2 or 18+ or 184 TONS", kind of hard to make that out. The rifle is a looker, I'm just curious about the markings. I know a picture would be helpful but I don't have a camera with enought resolution. I'm new to Milsurps so if anyone would like to respond I would appreciate it.
Thanks
Butch Parker

Information

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[Badger]

Hi Butch ....

Here's a site with some good information to bookmark for the future.

Lee Enfield Rifle Markings (click here)

"No4 Mk1 ROF (F) 11/43" .... means your rifle went back to the Fazakerley factory (F) for a Factory Thorough Recondition/Repair (FTR) in November 1943 (11/43).

"NP" ".303" "2.22" under that is either "18-1/2 or 18+ or 184 TONS" .... means that your rifle was tested for safety by Birmingham Proof House showing caliber and chamber length. As required by British law, any firearm offered for commercial sale (regardless of military proofing) has to undergo a pressure test. Passed firearms were stamped, usually on the barrel and receiver.

"NP" was the Birmingham Nitro Proof between 1912 and 1954 and "BNP" is the Birmingham Nitro Proof after 1954

"England" is sometimes seen on Enfield Rifles and it's the British private export mark pre-1968

If I ignore the "JA", a serial number on an Enfield rifle starting with a "2" means that it was originally manufactured by Fazakerley.

Hope this helps somewhat...

Regards.
Badger

[stencollector]

The "A" after the serial number is a warning to the gun plumbers that there are non standard parts on the rifle somewhere, and some fitting of regular parts may be neccessary.

[Butch Parker]

Thanks guys you guys know your stuff!
Butch