No.4 Mk.I(T) mfg.1944 with Scope No.32 Mk.I mfg. 1941/2: An odd pairing!

[jmoore]

As an offshoot of a previous thread or two, the most recent being:

"NO32 Mk1 Scope (Opinions wanted)"
https://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=26828

it was decided to create a new thread that would focus on a minor mystery that may only be a delusion!

Having seen at least three examples (of which one is in "captivity") of an early to mid 1944 No.4 Mk.I(T) mated to a 1941 or 1942 No.32 Mk.I scope which are in rather more "used" condition than their rifle, I wondered if some of the early conversions (mostly Enfield built trials rifles) were retired and their scopes sent to H&H for use on new builds.

Wild theory based on little data to be sure! However, how many Trials Rifles are there with their original scopes?

So here are some photos of one example to tear to shreds! I can do more if needed!

I'm hoping, however, that more examples will surface. Or maybe I'm just mad! Just feel free to jump in. Add data. Refute the entire idea. Have a big time.


The scope box in question for the thread is on the lower right.

You may recognize the two photos above from a previous thread that was involved in the marking of scope boxes. This box has had only the one rifle assigned!




If you ever wondered if Holland and Holland refinished the receiver bodies, note the dressed area around the flush ends of the front pad screws. If it was a local touch up method it surely wasn't "cold blue" in a bottle! I wonder if the old "browning" or "rust bluing" method could be done to a localized area?

For those wondering about the "X" mark under the front pad, I've only seen it on rifles w/ the original forestock and that have had the screws staked. I THOUGHT Captain Laidler had written something on the subject some time back but can't find reference to it now.



LIGHTLY scratched on S/N. It's easy to understand why many were later remarked using impression stamps.



Note the condition of the pad mating surfaces. It would be reasonable to assume this rifle saw very little field use!


No signs of another scope number having been applied previously. And the "S51" means it was the stock installed at H&H.


Sorry the photos aren't better. No access to the good camera right now.

Link to the whole album:

http://s20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...288/?start=all

---------- Post added at 08:50 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:49 PM ----------

Scope photos:

---------- Post added at 08:52 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:50 PM ----------

In a new separate post to make editing my mess easier!

---------- Post added at 08:55 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:52 PM ----------

Oh, well:














Post-WWII rifle S/N addition to the bracket. Since it wasn't numbered to it's first rifle, we'll not likely know what it's first assignment was, UNLESS, there's a scopeless early "T" w/ it's original buttstock still attached that has "1990" on the wrist!

More if you need 'em.

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