UVF Ulster Lee Speed

[boltaction]

Good evening:
I picked up a matching BSA Co Lee Speed patents Metford Mk II* at an auction down East a week or two ago and it arrived today. I am quite pleased with it (auctions without great photos can be a nail biter) but wonder about an oval "UVF For God and Ulster" stamp on the buttstock. This was not mentioned in the rather sparse auction description. As I understand it, the UVF was formed in 1912 by Irish Protestants to try and prevent Home Rule, and the UVF was involved in that smuggling operation of German Mausers and a few million rounds of ammunition. Anyone run into one of these before--is a private purchase "one off" or part of a bulk purchase of obsolete-ish arms from Britain, "unofficially sanctioned"?

I will try to post some photos in the next day or so when I have time.

Thx!

Ed

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