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  1. #1
    Legacy Member Bluenoser's Avatar
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    Serial Numbers on Private Purchase Military Rifles

    I am trying to assist a member on another forum identify a Mk II rifle

    The barrel and forearm are short by approximately four inches and I believe it to be a Mk II* (Mk II rear sight). I am thinking the barrel and forearm were likely shortened. There are indications it might have been a presentation rifle, which suggests private purchase. There is no indication the rifle ever had a rear sling swivel. There are no markings on the right side of the butt and there is no serial number on the left side of the barrel. Holes on the right side of the butt suggest a plaque might have once been attached. The following numbers are stamped on various parts of the rifle:
    Trigger guard upper surface - 2661
    Underside of barrel - 3673
    Inside rear handguard - 5973
    Under root of bolt handle - 1408
    Under butt plate - 1456 with a possible "O" prefix or suffix

    I am sorry, but I do not have pictures. Think nice looking as-issued Mk II* but with a 24ish" barrel, no bayonet lug or rear sling swivel and no Ross logo, model designation, serial number or year of manufacture.
    Do any members know what the various numbers might be? Assembly numbers? Lot numbers?
    What is the format for serial numbers on private purchase military rifles and where should those serial numbers be found?
    As always, assistance is much appreciated.
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    A Collector's View - The SMLE Short Magazine Lee Enfield 1903-1989. It is 300 8.5x11 inch pages with 1,000+ photo’s, most in color, and each book is serial-numbered.  Covering the SMLE from 1903 to the end of production in India in 1989 it looks at how each model differs and manufacturer differences from a collecting point of view along with the major accessories that could be attached to the rifle. For the record this is not a moneymaker, I hope just to break even, eventually, at $80/book plus shipping.  In the USA shipping is $5.00 for media mail.  I will accept PayPal, Zelle, MO and good old checks (and cash if you want to stop by for a tour!).  CLICK BANNER to send me a PM for International pricing and shipping. Manufacturer of various vintage rifle scopes for the 1903 such as our M73G4 (reproduction of the Weaver 330C) and Malcolm 8X Gen II (Unertl reproduction). Several of our scopes are used in the CMP Vintage Sniper competition on top of 1903 rifles. Brian Dick ... BDL Ltd. - Specializing in British and Commonwealth weapons Specializing in premium ammunition and reloading components. Your source for the finest in High Power Competition Gear. Here at T-bones Shipwrighting we specialise in vintage service rifle: re-barrelling, bedding, repairs, modifications and accurizing. We also provide importation services for firearms, parts and weapons, for both private or commercial businesses.
     

  3. #2
    Advisory Panel Surpmil's Avatar
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    Sounds like something either made up from leftovers after the factory closed or a "lunchbox special", perhaps made from rejected or discarded parts?
    “There are invisible rulers who control the destinies of millions. It is not generally realized to what extent the words and actions of our most influential public men are dictated by shrewd persons operating behind the scenes.”

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    Much changes, much remains the same.

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    Legacy Member Bluenoser's Avatar
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    I suppose that is a possibility, although I am not clear on how one might determine if that is the case. Perhaps a search for proof marks and military view marks would be in order.

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    Probably there is no 100% definitive answer, but only our best informed guesses at this point.

    It is mentioned in TRRS that several Quebec gunsmiths were assembling Rosses from parts acquired after the factory closed. I have what is probably one of them myself.
    “There are invisible rulers who control the destinies of millions. It is not generally realized to what extent the words and actions of our most influential public men are dictated by shrewd persons operating behind the scenes.”

    Edward Bernays, 1928

    Much changes, much remains the same.

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    Legacy Member Bluenoser's Avatar
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    Thanks for mentioning that. Now that you mentioned it, I recall reading that in TRRS

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