Looking for P14 reference material

[Potashminer]

I am working with a number of Pattern 1914 (P14) rifles. So far I have a "W", an "ERA" and two "RE". I am having not much luck trying to find reference material that details which parts got marked how by the three makers - Winchester, Eddystone and Remington. For example, I have one each of an "E", "R", "W" and "blank" safety lock holder - how to know where the "blank" one might correctly go??

I have found most of this information for the M1917 rifles - the "U.S. Model of 1917" - aka P17. References I found for the M1917 include:

"m1903.com" - go under "Markings" and click on M1917 - chart pops up listing the individual M1917 parts that were marked, and how, by the three makers - click on the part name and a line drawing of that part pops up, showing where on the part each maker put their mark.

"The U.S. Enfield" by Ian Skinnerton - good discussion about the earlier P13, and then a fair bit about M1917, but not much helpful detail about P14's

"Pattern 1914 and U.S. Model of 1917 Rifles" by Charles Stratton - pretty much my "go to" reference, but lacking detail on specific parts - often writes "parts are identical, and differ only by markings" when discussing certain P14/M1917 items - does not identify "what" markings to look for.

"United States Rifle Model of 1917" by C.S. Ferris. Quite detailed. Great reference for M1917 collectors, but, not surprisingly, not a lot about the P14's.

So, any suggestions about where to find similar information and detail about the P14's would be greatly appreciated.

Information

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[fjruple]

Another source is the Instructions For Armourers 1912 Addendum Instructions For Care and Repair of Rifles, Magazine 303-Inch Pattern 1914. dated 1918. This reference goes into detail the procedures for maintenance and repair of the Pattern 1914. It details the differences in each manufacturer and compatibility of parts. At the end of the document, it discusses the accessories for the rifles.

Some the references that you listed have to be taken with a grain of salt. I have found errors in the M1903.com markings list. For example the Eddystone Buttplate are discussed as not marked, I have found that Eddystone stamped a small "e" on the outside of the plate where the most wear takes place and is often worn off. Additionally the Remington Buttplate trap are marked as well but you have to remove the buttplate trap from the Buttplate in order to see the small "R" stamp on the side that is not exposed when assembled into the buttplate. I suspect that unmarked parts are from very early production rifles (or Pattern 1913 rifles) were the manufacturers marking has not taken affect yet.

[breakeyp]

In 1995 J.C. Harrison published a 6x8.5 inch plastic spiral bound 90 page booklet titled: P-17 The American Enfield It covers Pattern 1914 and Model 1917 rifles. No photos but quality line drawings showing various parts with markings. Large sections were taken from Skennerton's works. He also had similar booklets on M1 rifle, M1 carbine, .US pistols and revolvers, M1903 Springfield and one on US military markings 1900 to 1965.

[Potashminer]

I just found that J.C. Harrison book on Amazon.com, but the not-so-helpful vendor does not ship to Canada. At least I have a lead!!

Regarding previous post, I have found the same as you mention regarding the m1903.com. Minor stuff, I guess, but I do have an "R" marked trapdoor in what I believe to be an M1917 "R" buttplate; despite that the m1903 chart says it is "blank". Got me to wondering if maybe that is actually a trapdoor for a P14, but have found no reference, until today, regarding anything published about what marks should or should not appear of P14 parts.

[breakeyp]

try ABE books--used book dealer and other book sellers.