No.4 Mk.1 magazine marking query

[spinecracker]

I have finally got back into collecting Long Branchs (had to get an AR15 and a heavy-barreled .308 rifle, and a Mauser, and a few other things), and just picked up a NZ-marked 1942 Long Branch. The rear sight was switched out at some point for a Fazakerley Mk.1 rear sight (anyone got a Long Branch-marked Mk.2 sight laying around??), and the magazine had been switched out at some point (I will be looking for a Long Branch-marked magazine as soon as I can). I was curious to see an "OZ" stamp on the rear of the magazine, and there was also a mark with a "D" with a broad arrow above it. I could not find either marking in Mr. Skennerton's tome. I assume the "M/56" is a manufacturer's mark for Cheney and Son. Any pointers on the "OZ" and broad arrow above "D" markings?

Information

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[jmoore]

There's no line inside the "D" attached to the left side of the letter? If not, then nothing springs to mind.

[spinecracker]

Nope, no line. The broad arrow is directly above the D, and points upwards. I will try and get a photo later.

[Robert303]

Odd that this thread comes up just as I was about to ask about a magzine I have. It came on a Long Branch fitted with pads that I'm going to build a 4 sniper on. The no (PB25690) is marked on the bottom of the magazine. I have no other info or pictures as it is in the dealers at the moment.

[spinecracker]

PB25690 on the bottom of the magazine is a serial number. If the serial number was 2 numbers followed by L followed by more numbers, then that would be correct for Long Branch. Looks like the magazine got swapped out at some time.

[Robert303]

Hi, I guessed that it was not the original as I have two Long Branches with the L in the serial number but wondered if any of the experts knew if there was any relevance to the PB ie was it Maltby / Fazakerly etc.

[tlvaughn]

Hi, I guessed that it was not the original as I have two Long Branches with the L in the serial number but wondered if any of the experts knew if there was any relevance to the PB ie was it Maltby / Fazakerly etc.

Fazakerley

[spinecracker]

No ideas on the broad arrow above a D marking? Curious. I don't suppose anyone has a spare Long Branch-marked magazine suitable for a 1942 Long Branch just laying around that I could snag?

[Brian Dick]

Email me direct to my shop. bdlltd@bellsouth.net.

[spinecracker]

Email me direct to my shop. bdlltd@bellsouth.net.

That was going to be my next step - Brian is a mind reader.

I will post photos of the NZ-marked 1942 Long Branch when I get a chance. It is not as cosmetically intact as the one I previously had (sold to pay for medical bills - next time I will just let my leg drop off), but it is a Long Branch, and I have a thing for interesting markings.