Nice find. The last one of those Mk.I or "trials" foresight protectors that showed up on eBay sold for more than this rifle cost you, perhaps by several times.
We've seen a number of these early Maltbys with Beech Mk.I forends like this; had one myself. Very likely original.
Sadly Maltby stopping marking their production that clearly: purportedly for reasons of security.
I'm not sure how the serial numbers went but mine was A11816, and had that same Mk.I cocking piece, though the foresight protector was gone when I got it.
If you can take a clearer photo of the markings on the foresight protector we will be able to see if it is an RSAF Enfield made piece or not.
"Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing had happened." W.L.S.C..
Very nice! I'm not normally a "No.4 guy", but I'd jump on that one in a New York minute. I would also like to loudly chime in with the "leave it as is" crowd, she's fine as she sits.
here is pictures of the front sight protector there is very light stamping on the left side of it as well need to find a bigger magnifying glass to make it out.
Can't say anything more about the foresight protector as far as RSAF Enfield is concerned; there does appear to be a crown mark under the paint on the left side, but no sign of the characteristic "D/E" Enfield monogram. You could safely bend the ears back out if you're careful, they've been pushed in towards each other over the years. Have a look at the photos of trials No.4s posted on this site for guidance.
Last edited by Surpmil; 03-24-2017 at 12:24 PM.
"Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing had happened." W.L.S.C..
i found this picture the no4 on the right has the stamping on the left hand side of it mine is stamped at the same exact place but cant make out what the stamping is. But either way i love the rifle is was in my price range and cant wait to take it to the range my no4 is the 4th rifle in my ww2 rifle collection i am putting together for a display. But you folks have been a true help i dont know alot about this rifle but it seems like i got the better of the deal on it.
Looks like a No1 rifle butt plate to me by the shape of the tang BUT the fit is exactly as it should be. Seated below the line of the wood. That was exactly what was the problem with those early shaped foresight protectors. They bent too easily and were more expensive to produce. Just straighten them or put them away and use a solid later pattern
i found this picture the no4 on the right has the stamping on the left hand side of it mine is stamped at the same exact place but cant make out what the stamping is. But either way i love the rifle is was in my price range and cant wait to take it to the range my no4 is the 4th rifle in my ww2 rifle collection i am putting together for a display. But you folks have been a true help i dont know alot about this rifle but it seems like i got the better of the deal on it.
The one on the left is about right. The other has been spread too far by someone.
I was wondering about that butt plate too, but the nub on the catch seems to have been removed so couldn't decide.
"Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing had happened." W.L.S.C..
The butt sling loop is missing too and looks like a No1 type. The sling loop recess in the butt needs taking down deeper too. The steel plate should be a gnats knackers* depth below the wood line
i am going to gently try to bend it back into place but the one on the right has stamp mark in the exact same place as mine. i did manage to make out the stamping on mine under heavy magnification its stamp SM with H stamped under it. i cant get my camera to focus good enough to take the picture.
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Originally Posted by Spaz86
