LONGBRANCH N04MK1 1941

[Peter Laidler]

I question your interpretation of professionally converted F-10. The conversion to Mk1/2 sp3c was professional as it was done at ROF6 to a laid down spec. But as for the 'conversion' to a sporter................, you amaze me. It is what the shop floor at our workshops would call a total sack of cxxx! The finish of the wood under that slathered-on varnish looks like it was done with a hacksaw blade (all photos) while the fitting of the butt (last photos) leave the average joe speechless. I pass no further comment but I'm sure others will come in and comment on the finger imprints and stupidity of varnish on a rifle....... Nope........, poor workmanship by a local bubba I'd say. Just my opinion as a bit part amateur I'd say

[limpetmine]

These were done at a number of sources, Parker Hale and others... They were done for Sears, Eatons, Marshall Wells, on and on. The mags are special made like that and marked "Made in England", I have a couple here. They were done for the hunters after a war that left millions of these in store. They're a good hunting rifle.

True, but the ones that I've seen were so marked, like the various grades of the Santa Fe rifle series. I've got one that the PH ramp is well done on, but no provenance as to by whom. It's going back to stock one day.

[browningautorifle]

the ones that I've seen were so marked

Are there NO markings on it? It looks like one of the grade one types...

[bros]

Because of the rare nature of this rifle, I or somebody else will de-sporterize it and return it back to a level of respectable appearance and usability. Actually "I " will not being doing the work so I will try to find someone local to help me out.

I do question if this rifle was professionally converted by a commercial organisation rather than a private individual, if it would not be better to leave it as it is. A professionally converted service rifle that has been changed into a sporting rifle is an interesting item in it's own right. It appears to be in excellent condition and I do wonder about the merits of altering it from it's present state?

[Flying10uk]

I question your interpretation of professionally converted F-10. The conversion to Mk1/2 sp3c was professional as it was done at ROF6 to a laid down spec. But as for the 'conversion' to a sporter................, you amaze me.

I am only looking at the pictures via a lap top, Peter, perhaps you are viewing them from a larger screen and have a better perspective of the condition because of this. Perhaps you have better eyesight than me.

The point which I made previously was that if it was converted by a commercial organisation it may be worth saving in it's present configuration. No-doubt it has been messed about with since being converted, in the intervening years, but this can always be rectified.

[Surpmil]

Rob, thread 17. We can assume that Canadian soldiers arriving in the UK on the troopers came armed with their own issued-in-Canada No4 rifles - can we? I have seen a few marked on the receiver ring and this one is clearly marked on the body. We were not permitted to stamp the body.

Peter I have never seen any photos of Canadian troops arriving in the UK with No.4 Rifles. SMLE's are shown as still being on issue in Italy until early 1944 in some formations, others seem to have got No.4s by mid 1943. It's quite possible some Long Branch rifles were issued to Canadian troops either deliberately or accidentally. Someone better ask our remaining vets while there is still time.

Did you ever see any UK made No.4s with the C Broad Arrow mark?

[Strangely Brown]

Someone better ask our remaining vets while there is still time.

The few I've spoken to over the years were unaware that No.4's were made anywhere but Enfield!!!

[Peter Laidler]

Yep, seen quite a few Mk1*'s with the C/Arrow mark, usually on the breeching up ring. Not many that I remember though. Always assumed that it was because it indicated Canadian Army/Govt ownership and were returned post war as per the QM's instructions I'd seen

[Surpmil]

But not on any UK-made rifles? So it sounds like the C Broad Arrow didn't ensure rifles were returned anymore than the lend lease "U.S. PROPERTY" mark did? Not surprising since they were probably scattered all over the world by the end of the war. Or did the US waive the return of rifles and other small arms?

[Peter Laidler]

Rob, you're confusing the issue a bit. Thread 12 tells what the instructions to Quartermasters stated and referred to. Presumably to ensure that Canada got it's own weapons back - albeit eventually. Or at least, got proportionately the same quantity back for return to Canada and the new post-war Army. Just my guess