SMLE Markings

[bravo2zero]

Hi, would anyone be able to help out with some markings on my SMLE MK3* dated 1918. It has the Z on the barrel which I understood to be that it required repair which couldn’t be fixed at local level however there is a mark on the breech by the South African symbol that I can’t make out. The barrel is original and certainly doesn’t appear to be anything wrong with the rifle that would have required fixing. Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks, Steve

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[Daan Kemp]

Not South African, which is an M in the U.

[CINDERS]

The only Z's I could find in Skennerton's Broad Arrow are;

Z F - Main Components ~ Beyond local repair, except at factory.

Z - BLR - Main Components ~ Beyond local repair.

Z - BER - Main Components ~ Beyond economic repair, reduced to or written off as scrap.

The U & Arrow denotes ~ Union of South Africa. (from same source)

[bravo2zero]

Thanks

[Daan Kemp]

Sorry, quite right about the u and arrow., I was thinking of later republic markings.

[bravo2zero]

Any ideas on the marking just above the Union / Broad arrow mark?

[Peter Laidler]

Surely........ the perceived wisdom of the crowd is that an arrow within the U is South Africa, the U indicating the Union of SA. Or is the restricted master marking list that used to be held by Brigade QM's and AIA's wrong. It has been wrong before, but only once in my knowledge.

[CINDERS]

I am only going on what is in Skennertons Broad Arrow Peter I do not have access to the volumes of information or experience that you have it would be nice if you could expand on the master marking list as unless they still use the same system to mark up current weaponry and as the Lee Enfield line is long defunct from British and Commonwealth Armed forces (Discounting the Forrest Rangers in Canada with their No.4's) then there is no reason for the master list to be restricted.
That way we all benefit from the information which can be stored on this site to help all of us neophytes whom haven't the resources or the clearance to such information for future reference as the questions are still going to be coming in over these markings long after you and I have turned the toes up.