Up until 3rd June 1946 / 11th June 1946 the only parts that needed numbering were the " 3-Bs" pressure bearing parts (Barrel, Body and Bolt). Up until then each manufacturer could number other parts if they so wished, there was no requirement.
From the date of this LoC the forend and magazine was 'added to the list' and, any No4's coming in for repair, maintenance or servicing SHOULD have had the forend and magazine numbered during the repair.
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...
Up until 3rd June 1946 / 11th June 1946 the only parts that needed numbering were the " 3-Bs" pressure bearing parts (Barrel, Body and Bolt). Up until then each manufacturer could number other parts if they so wished, there was no requirement.
From the date of this LoC the forend and magazine was 'added to the list' and, any No4's coming in for repair, maintenance or servicing SHOULD have had the forend and magazine numbered during the repair.
So much for it being done locally for control purposes. Now we know...
I'd suggest that a small proportion of the rifles that are still in circulation have thier original magazine in them. Hence, the varying evidence of numbered mags not matching rifles and unnumbered mags.
A new mag with the fiddling to get the lips right matches it to the rifle. These components were not all that soldier-proof, hence did get replaced.
Like all matters Lee Enfield: "Never say never, or always..."
Trying to save Service history, one rifle at a time...
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Originally Posted by capt14k
