Unknown stamp on T scope bracket

[smle addict]

Hello all,

Found this a few weeks ago. It was advertised as an original T bracket, and the price was relatively cheap (less than the repros). Took the gamble and bought it. It has a mark I've never seen before, looks to be an encircled B6 over R2. Small "M" inside of the bracket, just above the rear screw.

Any ideas as to the marks? And is this an original?

Thanks

Information

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[Roger Payne]

Not sure but I wonder if the R & B could indicate Rose Brothers of Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, where the bracket was made. IIRC I think some time back someone else may have posted photo's of a similar marking. I suppose it's possible it could be an early marking variant. Most brackets simply bear the (presumed) examiner's markings of JG or KD.

ATB

[smle addict]

Thanks for the quick response!

[Peter Laidler]

Yep, Rose Brothers. Makers of bomber turrets too

[Roger Payne]

Peter, do you think that could be an early variant marking? It's even in exactly the place where you find the JG or KD on run of production brackets.

[Peter Laidler]

I would think that it is an early one simply because it is a Rose Brothers inspectors mark that can be found on turret castings/browning .303" MG mounting frames. I would imagine that these skilled inspectors were returned to the volume production 'turret house' and the small-beer stuff left in the hands of others. Just my thoughts from a few years ago. IN any case, later H&H finish machined the actual castings as part of streamlining the conversion process.

[jmoore]

The "M" on the inboard rear seems to show up from time to time.



Another Rose brothers bracket (unserialed) that resides on my Enfield No.4 Mk.I(T)

[Peter Laidler]

There is also another slight variation of the mark that reads RBG in a similar sized circle. Indicating Rose Brothers, Gainsborough

[Roger Payne]

Cheers Peter. I used to have a bracket so marked (RBG variant), but foolishly let it go. Such is life.......!

ATB