Is this "T" bracket an original?

[brnom2]

Question regarding a T scope bracket: Basically would like some advice on whether the bracket in attached photos is possibly an orig item or modern repro? Yes, it is mounted to a repro No4T that is being offered for sale, but to my untrained eye it seems it could be an original bracket, from what I can make out from the photos anyway, as it doesn't have the smooth finish of the asian made modern copies

Information

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[Roger Payne]

It's a fairly old one of mine. (The castings are slightly different on the more recent batches). The top cradle clamps are also on wrong.

ATB.

[brnom2]

Thankyou Roger - advice much appreciated

[Roger Payne]

You're welcome.

ATB.

[Peter Laidler]

We get back to tyhe old question now.......... If it was on one of the war reserve stores L42's, would it be a repro of original.........?

[brnom2]

Thought it worth putting up rest of the photos I was supplied with of the Repro No4T that I looked at. Believe the current owner purchased in good faith as an original item but was later made aware it was a copy. It does have some interesting markings (although some look suspiciously fresh) S51, S on action right side, T on left, TR on but socket, scope number stamped on but. With my amateur eyes (and amateur knowledge) I was able to pick up few issues - Repro pads (rear pad doesn't even have orig hole geometry/location) Rear sight has had battle peep milled off but appears to be Fazarkely not Singer. Trigger guard screw sling swivel (sorry if that's not correct name) looks to be PH item. Action is dated 43, but was my understanding, (based on previous comments on this forum) that T's built on Matby actions dated later than 41 are unlikely.

[Roger Payne]

You're learning fast! Yes, it's as wrong as a nine bob note as a friend of mine used to say. One minor point, though, is that you can sometimes see perfectly legit modified Singer sights made by Faz., as many were replaced in service, & as Peter has said umpteen times before armourers didn't scrabble about looking for the 'correct' date & manufacturer on a component - the first serviceable part out of the spares bin was used. Having said that, even that fact doesn't save this particular rifle. But thanks for posting the pix - you can never see too many 'right' & 'wrong' rifles!

ATB.

[Peter Laidler]

Your saving grace is that you have a perfectly useable repro No4T (providing that it's been done reasonably well of course) that'll see you until you can get the real McCoy. And even better still, you can look for a MUCH cheaper scopeless rifle to boot. After all, you already have a real McCoy scope and as far as the UK Military are/were concerned, a real bracket too..... Just modify that P-H front trigger guard sling loop and you'll have an original (?) one of them too!

[brnom2]

I considered purchasing the above repro for the very reasons you pointed out Mr Laidler, as a usable shooter. (I collect rifles to shoot, not to simply admire) Unfortunately No4T's seem very thin on the ground here in OZ - and my being based in West Oz doesn't help either. Have been searching for several years now to no avail. T's of good providence - i.e. not messed around/made up/repro's etc are not often seen on the market. I believe there was one of quality offered last year out of the Northern Territory of OZ, unfortunately I was O/S for an extended period and missed it - The search continues! One day I hope to find the T of my dreams, settle down and live happily ever after.

[Ridolpho]

brnom2: Even after you settle down with your "T" you'll not be happy for long. Soon your wandering eye will be looking at No. 1 MkV's and VI's or No. 4 Trials rifles. Collctors are never happy for long!

Ridolpho