My son's graduation present

[RJW NZ]

It just gets better and better...so many serial numbers in one place, thats very hard to find these days, that ww1 fore end baffles me, maybe if the receivers were recycled early ones then maybe other parts were too,...but hang on, if this is a recycled receiver then all those serials wouldn't match, would they? Were they in the business of refurbing early rifles and getting them back in action again?
Hey there Mr Bear, take a very close look at the fore end underside, just behind the nosecap and see if the serial number is there too. It might be very faint , or a partial as the linseed and time had a habit of rubbing stuff away.

[Amatikulu]

If I remember correctly the theory was that the receivers were old stock so they never were serial numbered. Being old stock, they had the cypher from a previous King on them so grinding that cypher off and adding a new one for George VI - the current King in 1944 was the proper thing to do.

[RJW NZ]

OK, thanks for that I get it now...

[BEAR]

It just gets better and better...so many serial numbers in one place, thats very hard to find these days, that ww1 fore end baffles me, maybe if the receivers were recycled early ones then maybe other parts were too,...but hang on, if this is a recycled receiver then all those serials wouldn't match, would they? Were they in the business of refurbing early rifles and getting them back in action again?
Hey there Mr Bear, take a very close look at the fore end underside, just behind the nosecap and see if the serial number is there too. It might be very faint , or a partial as the linseed and time had a habit of rubbing stuff away.

Well, I looked on the stock behind the nosecap and with the aid of a magnifying glass I think I see a partial serial. Many dings and dents so it could be those or it just may be wishful thinking on my part. Could not get a good photo. Camera doesn't see what I see.
BEAR

[BEAR]

Other stock markings I found.

[BEAR]

More markings

[Eireannach]

More markings

hey Dad, Hey every body. she's amazing! thank you for all the info you guys have provided. I have been interested in and have wanted a n1m3 for years. thanks to you dad I now have one. if you could continue to give us info on the rifle I would very much apritiate it.

[BEAR]

You are most welcome, son,
And since I won't see you home until October or November I guess I'll take it to the range and shoot up all the ammo I bought you. And your No4 bore has dust bunnies so I'll have to shoot those out also.
BEAR (Dad)