No.1 Mk.VI

[Sht_LE]

Just acquired a No.1 Mk.VI

I am still in shock from my great good fortune......
I had never thought I would see one in the flesh, much less have the privilege of being a temporary custodian to such a piece of history.

Need info, opinions and thoughts.

Here is a basic rundown of her bits and bobs.
The rifle has been converted to No.4 standards. It appears the only part on her that is from a No.1 Mk.VI is the receiver. The receiver is marked on the left side with:

G "crown" R
Enfield
1930
No.1 Mk.VI
original serial number removed
4xxA

Unfortunately, ENGLAND, is stamped over the crown / Enfield markings. The original serial number has also been ground off rather than XXXX out, with the new serial number stamped below. Any thoughts on why? Of the photos I have seen, all seem to have the XXXX stamped over the original number. The butt stock, forearm and front handguard appear to be beech, the forearm has the low cut to clear the cutoff (none fitted). Rear handguard is of the grooved variety and looks like it is walnut, but is a good colour match to the rest of the furniture. Front handguard cap is stamped M.B.I. The front sight protector (milled) is Longbranch, as is the bolt head and magazine (mismatched serial number). The front sight and front band (milled) are Savage. Middle band is unmarked and is of the stamped and welded variate. Trigger guard is BSA Shirley. Not sure who made the bolt (also mismatched), but it has the lightened (small hole) knob, and the cocking knob appears to be a latter Faz item. The rear sight is from a BSA No.5
The barrel is serial numbered to the gun, is 1941 dated and appears to be made by Enfield or at least proofed by Enfield. The entire rear sling swivel is missing, and the buttplate is the zinc variety.

So, I gather it is/was a No.1 Mk.VI that was rebuilt to No.4 specks, probably after Dunkirk. Anyone know about how many of these are still surviving in any configuration? Also, what should I do with her? Leaver her as is (I will have to change that rear sight out for a rifle sight its bugging me). Or try to do the impossible and track down the parts to restore her? Or just change out a few parts. I do have a hinged front band and a button cocking piece (Longbranch) would it be inappropriate to put those on her?

Lastly, does anyone have a clue what a ball pack price would be on something like this?

Thanks,
Jason

P.S. I am computer illiterate, but will try in the next few days to see if I can post some pictures.

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[jmoore]

I'd mostly leave it alone except for the rear swivel and sight. No sense putting on other early parts at this point. The Long Branch bits are best left for other opportunities.

[A square 10]

my thoughts as well , but congrats on finding this rare bird , one day i hope to be so lucky ,

[Brit plumber]

You could replace this part, plenty of them around so not preventing anyone else using one on another resto.

Lee Enfield No.4 hinged front band - TRIALS - RARE | eBay

[Warren]

When you say the serial number is ground, do you mean it has been totally removed and another number added with what looks like laser engraving or fine line engraving and NOT stamping?
If such is the case, it is probably one of the ones that was recently imported from India and there was a mixed bag of rare and exotic rifles in the lot. A decent number of trials rifles were in that lot and I believe the boys in Florida did the gag on them.
Check the number on the bolt to see if it has been also renumbered in the same letter font. I assume you have checked the number on the barrel as well to see if it matches and you said it does however is there a 1930 or 31 date on it as well as the 41 date.
A few pictures sure would make an ID ing what you have a bit easier........
Does it have the horizontal screw in the forend ahead of the magazine well ?? Commonly called the "ishy screw".
pictures please.........

[Sht_LE]

The original serial was removed/ground off. The new serial number is stamped, and stamped deep. The serial number on the barrel and action body are in the same font. The bolt is not matching and it is stamped as well. There is no screw in the forearm, and other than the ENGLAND and proof stamps, there are no import/export stamps. The gentleman I obtained it from had it about a week (he traded a CZ-82 pistol for it!!!) and I bought it from him. According to the gentleman I got it from the other fellow had inherited it. Anyway here are some pictures... Help me out. ANY information thoughts or ideas is appreciated...

[Warren]

The serial number appears to have been removed with a die grinder and burr.
Serial numbers on most Mk. VI rifles are rather scattered and here are pictures of a Mk. VI and an unmarked Mk. VI as to cypher and date. The bottom one probably was called up after the losses at Dunkirk and pressed into service.
Both have the A prexif and should have been hunted down and had the coupe d' grace administered by the British armourers, but these old girls have survived and in not bad of nick either.