Ex-NZ military Long Branch No4 Mki with “D” marking

[tomwolf26]

Hi guys

I’m new to the forum and this is my first post. Thanks for all your previous posts , the knowledge you shared here is of great help to a novice collector like me to get started

Im to pick up a LB 1942 No4 Mk1* rifle later this week here in New Zealand. A nice looking one with a serial numbers match.It has ‘NZ + broad arrow’ stamped stock so I assume it’s likely to be an ex-NZ military rifle. As I went through pictures of it, there was a “D” marking drew my attention. It’s located on the butt socket, just below the army service numbers (I suppose) and the LB production serial number.

What concerns me most is whether it’s related to “DP” markings we usually see on Drill Purpose Only rifles? I checked many photos of DP rifles and seems they were always marked “DP” instead of a single D. There seems no sign of a “P” ever marked or removed next to the D, neither any D/DP markings found on other parts of the rifle, but the shape and location of the letter is still suspicious…

If it’s nothing to do with DP then does anyone know what it might stand for?

your thoughts are much appreciated!

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]

Nothing that would bother me at purchase, marking-wise. What is of concern is the lack of support for the trigger guard cross screw! Looks like the area below centerline is missing.

[ssj]

Hello fellow NZer



Welcome

[waco16]

Interesting to see the 'O' in Long Branch - looks like its been stamped 90 degrees out.
Friday afternoon job?

[tomwolf26]

Nothing that would bother me at purchase, marking-wise. What is of concern is the lack of support for the trigger guard cross screw! Looks like the area below centerline is missing.

Thanks very much for your comment!

after some delays I finally get this rifle on hand today and had it checked breifly at gunsmith.
It has a 2 groove bore in very nice condition, exterior needs some clean and maintainance but nothing too bad.
Attachment 44458

Upon closer examination, the "D" mark concerning might as well be a "P" partially worn off (see pic), doubt remains though
Attachment 44459

I checked the trigger guard area but not so sure if there is really sth missing as it appears to be exactly the same as my other LB No4 Mki.
Attachment 44460

Chamber and barrel are little marked and undated. There are just a few single letters/logos stamped on upper barrel knox, some of them pretty faint, and a bit of unusual scratch on top of it.
Attachment 44463Attachment 44464
Unable to picture the lower part as I have difficulty removing the underwood -- it fits very tight with the breech, can't even loosening it unscrewed. Will leave the work to another day...

Frankly speaking the rifle exceeds my expectation, but for more peace of mind, it would be a lot better without the D or P marking on the butt socket..... too fussy am i?

[tomwolf26]

a bit more pics
Attachment 44466Attachment 44465Attachment 44467Attachment 44468Attachment 44469Attachment 44470Attachment 44471Attachment 44472

[tomwolf26]

good to know Im not along here

do you use the same or similar id on trademe? sory if i getit wrong

Hello fellow NZer



Welcome

---------- Post added at 07:56 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:55 AM ----------

nice observation mate, it might be a "Saturday afternoon job back then"

Interesting to see the 'O' in Long Branch - looks like its been stamped 90 degrees out.
Friday afternoon job?

[Peter Laidler]

Word of warning first........... If the fore-end is tight and you can't get it off, that because it is MEANT to be tight. It is drawn up at the rear, between the ever tightening taper of the butt socket and the draws (hence the name.....) To remove it, NEVER, never, never, not EVER pull it away from the muzzle end, ever, never...........

Gently drift the rear end downwards gently using a wooden drift, side to side, on the top rearmost surfaces of the fore-end

Peter Laidler, REME Armourer, RNZEME workshops, Ngaruawahia Ordnance Depot, 1967-8

[tomwolf26]

Word of warning first........... If the fore-end is tight and you can't get it off, that because it is MEANT to be tight. It is drawn up at the rear, between the ever tightening taper of the butt socket and the draws (hence the name.....) To remove it, NEVER, never, never, not EVER pull it away from the muzzle end, ever, never...........

Gently drift the rear end downwards gently using a wooden drift, side to side, on the top rearmost surfaces of the fore-end

Peter Laidler, REME Armourer, RNZEME workshops, Ngaruawahia Ordnance Depot, 1967-8

Many thanks Peter!
you've just saved my rifle

[jmoore]

I checked the trigger guard area but not so sure if there is really sth missing as it appears to be exactly the same as my other LB No4 Mki.

Looks like it was just a stark shadow, based on your new photos.

Frankly speaking the rifle exceeds my expectation, but for more peace of mind, it would be a lot better without the D or P marking on the butt socket..... too fussy am i?

Sorry about your mystery letter. It still doesn't bother me, if that's any consolation.