1943 Long Branch

[bros]

I believe that you have stumbled upon an early FTR Long Branch.

If you examine the markings closely you will probably discover that it is R "LB" 11/46 (ie. Repaired Long Branch November 1946).

This system of markings seems to have been discontinued before 1949.

Thanks to Lee Enfield that had it right...from the start. Thanks also to all the others who gave their input

[Lee Enfield]

That's the first time I've ever seen a Long Branch rebuild stamp. Very interesting. The "LB" is pretty distinct.

Lee Enfield, I've seen 1946 month/year date stamps on the left side of the butt sockets on many Long Branch rifles. Most of them returned from Greek Army service. Is that a Canadian rebuild date or possibly a European workshop mark as discussed here a while back? No one seems to have a definitive answer. I always wondered if they were rebuilt/inspected in Canada and shipped directly to the Greeks as foreign aid post WWII.

Any photos? "4/52" type marking?

I've been collecting Long Branch markings variations so I'm disappointed that I haven't managed to corner an RLB 4/46 type "FTR" marked rifle yet.

[Brian Dick]

No, they're all long sold. I'm struggling to find decent rifles now. They were exactly as you show although I never saw one that late. All were month/46 if memory serves. There must have been a dozen or so of the 165+ Greek LB rifles I had.

[Peter Laidler]

Mmmmmmm I'm not sure that the B will an LB when more definite photos emerge. We'll see......... As for LB hand stamping the rifle after a mayor(?) rebuild...... Nope. Annanuvverfing. How come more haven't emerged?

[browningautorifle]

The "LB" is pretty distinct.

Yes it is, quite distinct and not a mistake.

Thanks for posting the photos

No sweat...

How come more haven't emerged?

Good point though...you should know.

[SpikeDD]

For a closer look...
Attachment 82688

[Seaforth72]

The "R" is open to interpretation. The item following the "R" is definitely the Long Branch monogram of "L" and "B" superimposed. One can clearly see the ends of the "L" on top and on bottom right.

Remember that "Small Arms Limited" wrapped up business at the of 1945 and a new company "Canadian Arsenals Limited" started up at the beginning of 1946 in the same Long Branch facility.

[Peter Laidler]

Yep, I'm convinced thanks to Spike. LB it is.

[bros]

Is it safe to say that it is uncommon to have this kind of factory stamping on a 1943 longbranch?

[bros]

Well I received the Long Branch today!!! It certainly has some history!! Ishy srcew as Peter said. Markings on the rear sight, the upper butt-socket (bolt raceway) and upper barrel under handgaurd...... other than the 46 date and Long Branch proof marks have all been removed with a grinder.......but yes it does have a mint 2 groove barrel. The fore-end has been force- matched marked with some big numerical stamps. The magazine also has been force matched....not on the bottom but on the backside where the mag catch is. It has a BSA marked butt with a gazillion stamps....letters and numbers. Tomorrow I'm going to give it a whirl...inspite of barrel being solid with no upper movement in the forestock.
Happy Easter.