Long Branch serial number locations?

[Schwehn]

Hi all,
I am a long time follower, seldom poster. Love to learn about Lee-Enfields, and really want to expand my vast collection of 2. I am looking at a nice 1943 No.4 mkI* 44L series, and I was wondering when Long Branch stopped adding serial numbers to the stock / magazine. The one i am looking at only has the Canadian broad arrow / C on the forearm, and no markings on the magazine. Is this correct for the time? Any reason they would / wouldn't number the wood?

Thanks

Information

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[browningautorifle]

I don't think the wood was commonly numbered. The mags were sometimes. With the restoration of firearms being what it is, it's possible you don't have the original parts anyway. The other thing is arsenal rebuilds just change parts. No numbers needed for that sort of thing.

[Schwehn]

Thanks for the hasty response, the rest of it seems to check out as far as I can tell. It is getting harder and harder to find them unaltered. I feel I am getting into this game a little too late... but better late then never.

[Baal]

I believe Long Branch didn't serial number the magazines at the factory. It was done at the unit level IIRC. Neither of my 1943 Long Branches have the serial number on the forearm. One is a 16L and the other is a 45L.

[limpetmine]

The factory stopped numbering forearms in the around late 42 early 43. Mags were marked at the unit level. Better to enter the game late than not at all. And who says you're late, anyway?

[bearhunter]

A lot of the confusion comes from the FTR process. If the rifles were FTRed and the fore end was replaced, it would be with an un numbered piece of wood. Canada didn't mark the rifles she FTRed as did other nations. The wood may even be of correct date but that would just be luck of the draw.
If the rifle was sold to another nation, like India, Italy, Norway, England, Australia etc, it may be marked FTR or may not be. Lots of variables.

[Schwehn]

Thanks, you have all been very helpful. I say I am late cause I know prices are on the rise, and the amount of fakes/rebuilds/sporterization in all areas of military collecting can make a person go crazy. Still, cant stop lovin' the Lee-Enfield.