Repro I.D. discs?

[Steve H. in N.Y.]

I've got a couple of unmarked, new looking brass SMLE buttstock I.D. discs and I don't remember where they came from. As there is no broad arrow or other property mark on the back side is it safe to assume that these are reproductions?

Information

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[browningautorifle]

They do make them, IMA is one place I think. Depends on the patina, they MAY be original. Any screws?

[RobD]

In my experience, most genuine discs found on SMLEs are blank on both sides.
After about 1916 the unit information was generally removed from SMLE rifles, partly to prevent giving information to the enemy, and partly because of the high turnover of rifles.
I find that stock discs on pre-WW1 era rifles are more often stamped with units - for example, Lee Enfield Cavalry carbines, Martini Enfield Rifles and carbines.
Interestingly, I have a stock disc which was picked up from the battlefield on the Somme. It has the London regt on one side and the 3rd Welch Fusiliers on the other side.

[Mk VII]

Anybody can knock these out on the lathe, and no doubt many do.

[Steve H. in N.Y.]

No patina on these and no screws-if they came with "hardware store" screws it probably would have stuck in my mind. I'm thinking that if a broad arrow on the back is not a prerequisite it would have to be a judgement call.

[browningautorifle]

The screws would be a "Cut" screw. Not the new type. Any carpenter can show you one...

[Peter Laidler]

The screws were also what we call 'machine head', rounder instead of the standard flat. I seem to recall from the old Equipment Regulations that the use of the marking discs ceased in 1941 or thereabouts. But they stayed in the butts. Marking discs could be used both sides but the old instructions said that they had to be countersunk on the reverse before use.