British No.4 Mk.IT .303 Rifle (Belgian Issue)

[Badger]

Lawrence Ordnance - $5,795.00

Lawrance Ordnance - British No.4 Mk.IT .303 Rifle (Belgian Issue)

Seller's Description

Originally manufactured by BSA in 1943 this No.4 Mk.I rifle was subsequently converted to the No.4Mk.IT model. The receiver bears both the 'TR' and 'T' markings unique to these conversions. Following the Second World War the rifle was sent to Canada and from here the rifle was subsequently sent to Belgium under the NATO mutual aid program. At some stage, most probably in Canada, the rifle was refurbished. The fore-end and hand guards are both of Canadian manufacture. The butt appears to have not been changed at this time being the original beech however, the scope number was removed from behind the socket. A marking on the underside of the fore-end and one on the butt appear to be Belgian. The metalwork has a black painted finish.

This rifle is in very good condition. The bolt number matches the rifle, the woodwork not having been renumbered when it was replaced in Canada is not. The woodwork has minimal markings as does the painted finish. Although used the barrel retains the majority of its rifling and would no doubt shoot accurately. The scope optics are clear though there appears to be dust within the tube.

The original transit case does not appear to be numbered to the rifle. It bears a yellow maple leaf marking and the inscription 'North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, Mutual Aid, To - The Belgian Army, From - The Canadian Army'. The case is chipped in a number of places.

There was a desperate shortage of sniper's rifles at the outbreak of the Second World War. Development of a No.4 sniper's rifle was undertaken in 1940 with trials rifles, before production of the No.4 rifle had begun. The rifle was fitted with the No.32 scope, originally designed for use with the Bren LMG, a removeable mount being used due to the weight of the scope. Officially adopted in 1942, the No.4 sniper's rifle had already been in use for some time.

Original No.4 MK.IT rifles are exceedingly rare and this rifle is an excellent example.

Regards,
Badger

Information

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[paulseamus]

Thanks Badger

I am actively looking for a No.4 T down here in Australia but $5795 is a bit too rich for me. Particularly when the woodwood and crate are mismatched. I will call Lawrance Ordnance on Monday to determine if the crate contains a scope case/tin. Maybe they will negotiate on price

Paul