P14 markings

[mikemiller69gs]

All, I have two Lee Enfield WWII era rifles and recently acquired (free) a sporterized P14. I'm trying to decipher the markings. I believe it to be an Eddystone built ( ERA - 476880) but it has a variety of other markings/proofs. One that is a little confusing or concerning is the words "Nitro Proof" stamped but then it appears that its marked through (etched). I read that "Nitro Proof" was stamped prior to being sold to the public. The scraching out of those words has me concerned, was it cancelled? Any help on this or any of the other markings would be of great help. I'm trying to decide if it is worth bringing back to an original P14 stock.

Mike

[Kiwi]

It's just poorly stamped over other proof/inspection markings when the rifle was made. Nothing to worry about. Nothing is barred out.

[browningautorifle]

The one that looks jumbled is "Notenglishmade", all in one line. Because it wasn't. Second and third pic.

[mikemiller69gs]

Great. Thanks for the help

[mikemiller69gs]

One other question. The bolt number does not match reciever, barrel and sight. It also has a circle stamp with the letters US in the middle. With the gun came a 1917 magazine ( I believe), not in the gun and wanted to make sure this is a 303 bolt and not a 30.06? Thanks again for all the help

[browningautorifle]

The two last pics clearly show you that one at least is marked to caliber .303. If this is the rifle you ask about then...yes, .303.

[mikemiller69gs]

I'm sorry, I wasn't clear. It was a marking on the bolt itself. I finally found side by side pictures of a P14 bolt Vs 1917 bolt. I think i'm good

[browningautorifle]

It was a marking on the bolt itself.

The bolts are simple, an M1917 is small face and P14 is very large. You must have a cartridge to see if it will fit...they are shaped the same.

[Potashminer]

Your pictures are showing an "asterisk" - a "star" stamp. So look at rear of your barrel - should be a groove cut into what used to be a flat face - around the chamber, about 90 degrees. Leads to bolt issue? Earliest P14 had a "short" left bolt lug, and a flat faced rear to barrel. Part way through WWI production, left bolt lug was extended slightly, resulting in the need for those grooves in the rear of the barrel - bolt and barrel and receiver were marked with that asterisk. A "long lug" bolt will not close onto an original barrel - needs those grooves. A "short lug" bolt will close on an "asterisk" marked barrel. Many previously made were converted to later standard, but not all were. I have examples of both. The M1917 used a coned breech, so the rear of barrel and front of bolt lugs quite different from the two versions of the P14. M1917 magazine box will have smooth sides to it. I have various P14 magazines by the three different makers - "R", "E" and "W" - all slightly different, but blocked fore and aft for the shorter 303 round and have grooves in the sides to accommodate the rim and body taper that the 30-06 did not have. All very confusing to us today, but a result of the P13 - for the 276 Enfield cartridge...

[Mk VII]

NOT ENGLISH MAKE was a requirement at one time for foreign-made arms submitted for commercial proof here.