'X' Stamp on T Rifles near Front pad

[mcnuttwa]

Have noticed that a number of the T rifles have an 'X' stamp in the wood near the front pad.

I haven't seen any mention of these marks in any of the usual references and wondered if anyone knew what these stamps indicate.

Below are examples from '43, '44 and '45.

Information

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[twh]

I have no idea why it's there but you made me go look and my '44 has one.

[Ridolpho]

My '45 also. Jmoore may have a theory about these as he's commented about them more than once. Mr. Moore??

Ridolpho

[Roger Payne]

Yes JM go on..........!

[jmoore]

Not enough data from mid to late war non-(T) BSAs so far! Thinking at this point it is probably a production inspector's mark. "Original" M47(C) thing. If it's a Hollands' marking, it's purpose eludes me. The odd thing being that that it I think there's only one mention on this site of a letter stamping on a non-(T).

Fazackerly rifles with original to rifle forestocks aren't too hard to find.(I think I currently have three in captivity and have have seen quite a few other Fazackerlys with the unique to Faz dated forestocks.) Why not BSAs? Surely they haven't almost all been swapped out. I look at scads of rifles, but for the longest time only saw it on "low mileage" 1944 and later (T)s.

Would ever so much like to see some plain BSAs with the marking! Otherwise, ponder why H&H applied the mark in such an odd location. In which case, one would expect to see the "x" or similar on some odd Savage and maybe Maltby (T)s.

[CINDERS]

My S51 44 T Shirley has the X in the same place was it just a 47C thing

[Roger Payne]

I've never really given it much consideration, but now you mention it I don't recall seeing the X on any other rifles than 1944 & possibly 1945 BSA 4T's. I'll go & have a quick spot check later once the family have gone home!

Merry Xmas to all.

[Peter Laidler]

Could it be something simple, like the little S that indicated 'needs no other sighting adjustments' (?) that the X might mean a perfectly fitted fore-end. Although to be perfectly honest, it would be perfectly fitted otherwise it wouldn't have passed the higher than normal accuracy test!

[SpikeDD]

My 45' BSA "T" has the X also. I have several BSA non "T" rifles I can check, once I locate them.

[muffett.2008]

I thought it might signify machining of the action for the front bracket.
I have only spotted it where the bracket is recessed, including a Longbranch.