South African markings

[Peter Laidler]

Yep, got that Brian. And having been one of the trials team for their introduction into the Royal Navy, can vouch for their effectiveness. I can remember just shooting belts and belts of thousands of round, virtually non stop, seeing the barrels glowing pretty well white hot as we tried to get them to break............. Awe inspiring. Then doing the same while being hosed down with water to simulate water cannon or sea spray. Never seen so much steam! Great days. Good job I wasn't paying for the ammo!

[neorebel]

Thanks for all of the replies.............but does anyone know what the Crown with an N under it and a FC under the N mean?

[Buccaneer]

Thanks for all of the replies.............but does anyone know what the Crown with an N under it and a FC under the N mean?

They are probably inspectors and viewers marks I quote from "The Broad Arrow" by Ian Skennerton ". "In some cases , the Broad Arrow my be accompanied by inspector's stamps which indicate the passing of specific tests which related to standards of quality, fit or size. Such inspection or view stamps usually take the form of a simple crown or coronet over a letter indicator and or number. This number indicates the particular inspector while the letter (generally above the inspector's number) usually denotes the factory or depot"
Whilst this explanation does not exactly fit what you have on your rifle it would seem to be a reasonable explanation...
"The Broad Arrow" by Ian Skennerton gives a very good view and explanation of British and Empire proof / inspection and other marks found on Enfield Rifles and I would recomend it for future reference the ISBN number is 0 949749 43 5.

[Fletch]

Yes, no Royal SA Navy or Air Force, but the Durban Light Infantry was at one time the Royal Durban Light Infantry and I can't remember the other Natal regiment that had the Royal prefix. Natal was and is sometimes referred to tongue in cheek as The Last Outpost.

[Terrylee]

Some South African "Royals" from the past:

1) Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, South Africa.

2) Royal Durban Light Infantry.

3) Royal Durban Rangers.

4) Royal Natal Carbineers.

(The Armed Forces of South Africa, by Major. G.Tylden)

[neorebel]

Thanks bucconeer. I have the book and have found it to be most helpful. I would imagine all of the people who know what those marks are for probably are gone like my father who served in WWII. It appears to me to be a regimental mark from African. I suppose the Crown is what it is and the N may stand for Navy and the FC under the N for the unit designation, but who knows :0)