Long Branch and Savage - how often did they trade parts?

[spinecracker]

I know this topic has been covered on this forum and on other forums, but does anyone know how often Long Branch and Savage traded parts to allow production to keep going in 1941/early 1942? I only ask because I have a 1941 Long Branch with a Savage bolthead and a Savage sear (I believe that they are original to the rifle), and I have seen another 1941 Long Branch with a mix of Long Branch and Savage parts. As I have a 1941 Long Branch restoration on the go, I wonder if it would be out of place to see an early button-type Savage stamped cocking piece on a 1941 Long Branch? (Those LB stamped early cocking pieces are like rocking horse poo! Anyone have a spare or 2?? lol)

Information

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[rgg_7]

Savage was under contract from Canada. Once production ceased mid 1944 all the surplus parts were returned to Long Branch. You see Savage marked parts on late 1944 and 45 LB rifles. If you have them on an earilier rifle they are incorrect and most likely are replacement parts from a unit repair or aftermarket refurbishment. I've seen several examples of these. Ron

[Peter Laidler]

Savage under contract from Canana Ron.............. Are you sure? I think/thought that Savage were contracted to provide by HM Government in London............. Just a thought or am I being pedantic somewhere............?

[Badger]

Savage under contract from Canada Ron.............. Are you sure? I think/thought that Savage were contracted to provide by HM Government in London............. Just a thought or am I being pedantic somewhere............?

I thought so too ...

According to this article in the MKL by Advisory Panel member Lance, it seems to infer that the contract was let to Savage in the U.S. from the UK government. Perhaps Ian can clarify this?

1942 No.4 Mk1*(T) Savage Sniper Rifle (less scope)

During the dark day's of 1941 Great Britain was in need of all the weapons she could find even purchasing firearms from their runaway colony, the United States of America. Some of these were made under contract at Savage Firearms in Massachusetts. Savage made over one million Lee Enfield No.4's with around 150,000 being of the Mk I variation and the rest Mk I*.

Regards,
Doug

[Ian Skennerton]

There was serious and frequent interaction between Long Branch and Stevens-Savage during WW2 and many Canadian rifles feature Savage component parts. After the Stevens-Savage contracts finished, it appears that remaining parts and some tooling was sent to Long Branch.

Check pages 307 through 312 and continuing on through the North American chapter of the new 'Lee-Enfield' book. Early in 1941, a Directorate of Inspection of Small Arms and S.A.A. was initiated to organize proof, inspection and experimental facilities in North America. There was serious Canadian involvement as offices were to be set up in New York and Ottawa for British Ministry of Supply and Aircraft Production officers. Britain was placing orders with the U.S.A. and Canada but after a Lend-Lease and Mutual Aid Agreement was signed in Washington on 23rd February 1942, the Directorate Headquarters was moved to Ottawa.

Hope this helps,
Ian Skennerton