Question about Long Lee markings

[boltaction]

Good evening all:
I recently acquired a nice, matching Long Lee, but am puzzled by some of the markings on it. It has the standard M&D stamp for Canadian service, and is marked on the buttplate tang for, I believe, the Victoria Fusiliers. It was also obviously owned by someone named Joe at some point. However, just behind the wrist on the right hand side there is a set of deep stamps, upside down, consisting of a large 14 and a smaller series of letters which look like BIM, or maybe a BM with an arrow between. I can't figure these out; they look official, but if so, why upside down, and why in such an odd place? Also there is a rather odd somewhat trapezoid pattern carved into the top of the butt just behind the receiver--some significance, or just someone really bored one day? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Ed

Attachment 33738Attachment 33739Attachment 33740Attachment 33741Attachment 33742Attachment 33743Attachment 33744Attachment 33745Attachment 33746

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.

[Mag Fed]

Boltaction,
Is it possible that we are looking at a poorly struck 'CEF' ? Some of the Long Lees were issued to the CEF early-on for training purposes (see Edgecombe, p.113). Yours was clearly Canadian as you point out and your s/n is listed at Appendix I of the same source. Perhaps it was issued to the 14th Battalion of the CEF, but the Butt engraved numbers were, for some reason....i.e.WWI, not crossed/lined-out as was the usual practice. Just a thought !