Enigmatic markings on a Metford Mk1* Volunteer/Lee Speed

[englishman_ca]

Each factory inspector had their own unique crowned witness stamp for military contracts. A factory designator and an inspector number. No record of names against numbers exists that I know of. If there was it would be interesting to read.

The V marking on the old barrel to which you refer will probably be a mark of a V in a circle on right hand side of of the barrel reinforce and an E in a circle on the left hand side?
Found only on commercial barrels, the meaning of these two markings is still up for debate. I know of collectors who have been actively researching these marks for years and each have come to a dead end.

The rifle is a bitzer, possibly only the receiver is left of the original rifle. Typical of a rifle that has been well maintained and repaired to keep it in serviceable condition.

I would take one like this over a 'factory original' (no such thing for a used and maintained service rifle). It has a story to tell.

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