1914 Ross Mk.III

[Mk VII]

I have had this one for a long time, but thought I would exhibit the butt in search of any insights the board might have. PH1702, which the government takes to be the number, is repeated on the chamber.

Information

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[oldpaul]

I believe the PH is for Priddy's Hard, an ordinance depot in the area of Gosport, Hampshire, in your fair country. Priddy's Hard was decommissioned in 1988 so sadly no longer exists. Regards, Tom

[RangeRover]

My knowledge is far from extensive, but I have to say I've not seen any butt stock markings like those before, in person or in any of my reference materials. The roundel is non-standard, the "III" is out of standard alignment and uses a non-standard font, and it is absent the standard serial number configuration. As for the M 10 in a circle, I've no idea. Hmmm....

[smellie]

I have an early one here, one of the Chilean rifles from the old HMS Canada, Chilean number DA 426.

It also is absent the regular butt serial complex and is marked only A 1625 in the same style as this rifle is marked and with what appear to be the same punches. Even the A is slightly elevated, as on this rifle.

ALSO marked on the Butt is a small roundel with CEF 16, which should be 16th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force. The 16th Battalion garrisoned Bermuda for a short period, then wer relieved and sent to England. They were in the Line at Second Ypres and went through rather an ugly night battle at St. Julien.

The small roundel with CEF 16 is repeated under the wrist of the Butt, in normal fashion for a Battalion marking of that type.

We really need more research into where these things might have served.

We know that the Royal Marines Light Infantry used PLY for an abbrviation for PLYMOUTH and that they used CRB for CROMBIE. Following this patter, one would expect that Priddy's Hard would be abbreviated PH.

The question now becomes "What is the history of the two "stripped" Rosses I have here, one marked PHAB 1, the other PHAB 2, both using more-or-less Canadian-style roundel marks under the Wrist of the Stock?"

Questions, questions, questions........

Idea: perhaps the Navy marked their own equipment and the Marines marked THEIR own equipment..... and the marks differed?

Does this make sense?

[arado]

all this ROSS talk made me get mine out. What and where do these butt stock markings mean?

[oldpaul]

There is a sticky above that describes a rifle that is only one number off yours. The owner (Badger) states that the markings mean "County of York, 51st rifle, Home Guard. The sticky is very informative and history of the Home Guard is available on the internet. Regards, Tom

[arado]

There is a sticky above that describes a rifle that is only one number off yours. The owner (Badger) states that the markings mean "County of York, 51st rifle, Home Guard. The sticky is very informative and history of the Home Guard is available on the internet. Regards, Tom

Now that I know what it is. I look at it differently. It explains it's hg12121 numbering and fine condition. But I have not fired it because I don't know the cartridge....280 or .303??

[bushwhacker]

.303 - only sporting rifles were chambered in .280, except for the special military match ones.

[Ax.303]

Hey guys,

How about showing us some more of both of these rifles?

[Surpmil]

MkVII, IMO someone has done some careful work with their handstamps there. Notice how QUEBEC is individually struck? Nor does the rest of it correspond to the originals. Good enough to fool most of the people most of the time was probably the thinking. I would avoid that one, unless you just want a shooter.