Ross MKIII Markings Help

[Jacob]

Hi all,

I'm very new to Ross rifles and recently acquired the one in the photos. I was curious if anyone could help me decipher the markings on the stock and other parts of the rifle as I'm not too familiar with the Ross family of rifles and their related markings.

I would also like to know if it is normal for the bolt and other components to be colour case hardened as on mine, it seems a lot of trouble to go to for a combat rifle!

Markings such as KK appear both on the stock and the bolt so it would be nice to know what those mean, as well as the G.E. 118 marking on the butt plate.

Information

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[green]

Quebec roundel place of manufacture
III MkIII rifle
587 KK serial number
1916 date of manufacture
Case hardening is usual finish on this model

[browningautorifle]

Nice condition for one of those, bet that particular one didn't even get as far as England during WW1.

[Surpmil]

The absence of any CEF markings on the butt suggests it was either supplied from Canadian stores in early WWII or perhaps one passed on to the WD in the exchange for SMLE's before it could ever be issued in WWI, and retained in UK stores until re-issued in WWII. However, I don't recall seeing any evidence that Ross MkIIIs were retained in the UK and the large numbers sent to India between the wars would tend to suggest whatever was left went there. Whether they were DP'd on arrival or later, as most seem to have been, I do not know.

For reasons unknown neither Sir Charles Ross nor the Canadian Department of Militia and Defence stamped serial numbers on bolts - the only possible explanation I can think of is that Sir Charles wished to believe that bolts were interchangeable and at least when Sam Hughes was Minister, what Sir Charles wanted he generally got! So those were wisely put on in the UK at some point.

Looks like post-war UK proofs, so if was one issued to the Home Guard etc. that might explain the many handling marks in the stock but relatively pristine metal.

A photo of the other side of the chamber area would show if there are any LC or E marks for the enlarged chamber. Some escaped that fate; I have one here, but that probably indicates a rifle that never left Canada.

Also unknown to me if any chambers were enlarged in WWII.

How is the bore?

[telperion]

Great piece, thanks for showing!

[Jacob]

Thanks Surpmil!

I have attached some more photos, I don't see any sign of an E or LC marking on the chamber area but did find an 'E' on the end of the stock near the muzzle, I don't know if it is related.

The bore is also in excellent condition, on my first time shooting it at 100yds I was able to make a 1" group off the sling so I'm very impressed with its accuracy capability.

[Bluenoser]

Probably just my old eyes, but I believe I can see an "E" on the breech end of the barrel. How does the fired brass look? An enlarged chamber is readily apparent.

[Jacob]

I think you're right, I hadn't spotted at first as it looks a little disfigured.

[Surpmil]

Pity, but par for the course!

Interesting that you found it on the end of the forend - it would make sense when rifles were being stored in vertical racks, and particularly when the reaming process was underway.

I haven't seen that before and I'm not sure if it is known elsewhere. The same font so apparently done at the same time?

Hesketh Prichard in a letter to his wife mentioned making three touch at 100 yards off the sling with a Mk.III. He called it "a fluke as no one can hold as close". We might beg to diffah!