New 1945 MA bren barrel

[mrclark303]

Its one of our photography backdrops Ron, great for babies, perhaps not so much for Bren Guns...

[Brit plumber]

In that case no FTR markings on this one, the box was an inch deep in cosmoline. It was like the Bren had been greased up for long term store, then loads more had been dumped in on top to cover the whole box contents too...

I would assume the 6/68 is when it went to store...

If no FTR marks then it is likely unused but with a replacement barrel. I have a similar gun in the A serial range, all matching numbers, no FTR and looks as though it went straight to storage. I also have another that is all matching except for the lower which is the same number but has an A prefix and not the B of the body. I think the chances of that must be V slim and more likely someone used the wrong prefix letter when marking a replacement lower at FTR.

I also have a transitional Lithgow Mk1 that has been renumbered. It’s a real shame as it may be the only one in existence. I’ve certainly never heard of another. It has the second dovetail but doesnt have the dimples. I’d guess the number to be around A350 and certainly not passed A377 as that is Mk1M pattern.

[bigduke6]

the box was an inch deep in cosmoline.

John, many years ago I had a Vickers, which arrived up to the knee in cosmoline, the Vickers itself wasn't too bad but the tripod took some cleaning, still have the tripod box with some remains of cosmoline.

The Gun was a Lithgow one and was in new condition........

I bought this from a Big major dealer in Military surplus etc, I won't give them the free advertising as they were unpleasant ........

[Brit plumber]

My Lithgow Tripod still leaches cosmoline out of places I didn’t know were there.