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Thread: NO.5 MK.1 - Question about barrel markings

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    Legacy Member Schluts's Avatar
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    NO.5 MK.1 - Question about barrel markings

    Hey guys, I just picked up a NO.5 MK1 Jungle carbine
    Most of everything on this rifle seems to be in order, it does have matching numbers (receiver, bolt, forend and magazine) and does have all the lightening cuts along with an 800 yard sight.
    The sight has a "B" stamped on it rather than "F" (Receiver states that it was made in fazakerley) so I assume the sight was switched out at some point.
    An L is stamped into the butt stock, so if think this rifle is fitted with a long butt on it.
    The rifling looks clean and crisp.

    What I'm not sure of is, the barrel doesn't have any of the typical markings on it like I have seen on other Enfields. For example: BP 303 2.22" 18.5tons is a mark I have on my other Lee enfield NO.4 MK1, along with ENGLAND stamped on it.

    I do see the crown and the other manufacturing marks on it but nothing like a serial number or anything else. Has anyone come across a barrel like this before?
    Thanks in advance,

    P.S. Yet to get out to the range with it yet, but i sure am excited!
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    Legacy Member Alan de Enfield's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Schluts View Post
    What I'm not sure of is, the barrel doesn't have any of the typical markings on it like I have seen on other Enfields. For example: BP 303 2.22" 18.5tons is a mark I have on my other Lee enfield NO.4 MK1, along with ENGLAND stamped on it.

    The BNP 303 etc etc markings are the UK Civilian Proof markings that it had to have before it could be sold into the UK Civilian gun-trade. If it doesn't have them, it would have been sold directly from the MOD surplus sales to the US ans not into the UK Civilian market first.

    The "Englandicon" marking is a Pre 1968 import (to the USAicon) mark. Earlier and later years had different import marks. Yours may have the Importers initials and address (for example) which was a post '68 requirement.
    Mine are not the best, but they are not too bad. I can think of lots of Enfields I'd rather have but instead of constantly striving for more, sometimes it's good to be satisfied with what one has...

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    Legacy Member GeeRam's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Alan de Enfield View Post
    If it doesn't have them, it would have been sold directly from the MOD surplus sales to the US ans not into the UKicon Civilian market first.
    Or more likely, imported to the USAicon from which ever ex-colonial state sold them, that had them in store from when the MOD donated them/left them as surplus to our requirements many decades earlier.

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    Advisory Panel browningautorifle's Avatar
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    The parkerizing would make me think this is an after service refinish or a late refinish. The butt should be marked with an "L" on the heel right at the butt plate screw if it's a long. Normally they wouldn't be, they were all shorter... 1329 IS the serial number on the receiver and bolt handle. Right there on the socket...
    Regards, Jim

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    Legacy Member GeeRam's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by browningautorifleicon View Post
    1329 IS the serial number on the receiver and bolt handle. Right there on the socket...
    I think he was asking about the lack of the serial number on the barrel.....? Although, it would have been more helpful to have actually posted a photo of the barrel with the other photos!
    As he mentioned it's otherwise matching numbers, so he had already spotted the serial numbers on the receiver and bolt handle?

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    Legacy Member Schluts's Avatar
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    Thread Starter
    Thanks for the quick responses. I forgot to add the most pertinent photo regarding my question!

    I am aware of the the matching numbers on all the usual spots, what I wanted to clear up was the lack of barrel markings. Seems like this rifle was sold before import markings were mandatory? Pre-1968? I should state that I live Canadaicon, maybe that has something to do with no export markings?

    Also, I guess what I thought was an L on the stock is really just a proof mark of some sort.

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    Legacy Member GeeRam's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Schluts View Post
    Also, I guess what I thought was an L on the stock is really just a proof mark of some sort.
    My No.5 has a long butt, and this is what you'd be seeing with the 'L' stamped on the top side of the butt near the end.

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    Legacy Member Igor Polski's Avatar
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    The "Englandicon" stamp would be required for US imports prior to 1968. I think you are correct in that guns sold in Canadaicon don't need the import markings.

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    Legacy Member Alan de Enfield's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Schluts View Post
    I should state that I live Canadaicon, maybe that has something to do with no export markings?
    Englandicon (UK) does not mark any firearm with an EXPORT mark.
    It is quite normal for a country to have 'IMPORT' marks denoting the country of origin.
    Mine are not the best, but they are not too bad. I can think of lots of Enfields I'd rather have but instead of constantly striving for more, sometimes it's good to be satisfied with what one has...

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