Experimental L42? XL42E1 in Auction

[Roy W]

Currently in Auction in the UK, thoughts on this?

Is the bracket a genuine JC, or a heavily filed repro?

Scope is a Mk3, description does state it's been put together.

Original action?

https://www.wilson55.com/auction/lot...28/?lot=173882

[Roy W]

Some photos for reference, the final photo is of another XL42E1 sold on Gunbroker previously

[desperatedan]

I'd say the bracket is genuine. I've got one somewhere that has similar filing marks.

Has the s/n been checked against the records - that would provide useful assurance especially re the arrangement of the markings? The 'England' on the action indicates that it at least has been to the US and back.

Pretty fair description by vendor and auctioneer I'd say, it's not trying to be made out as something it isn't. The auctioneer Chris at Wilsons is a good guy IMO.

If it sells for the lower end of estimate then probably a good buy, especially if wanting to shoot it rather than collect. The sum of the parts is probably more than that.

[Roy W]

The serial number doesn't appear in the L42 Lists.

On the bracket, just above the rear pad, there is a very sharp angular line. I thought this was representative of the angles in the repro brackets, looks like it has been filed out apart from a small part, hence my question. But on closer examination, it looks like a file mark

[Roger Payne]

The rifle won't be on 'the list', but it IS built on a genuine 4T body, though with refitted pads (hence the centre punches not aligning). The bracket is indeed the real thing, but is a Rose Brothers example, not a Dalgleish as mentioned in the cataloguing. The cheekpiece is a fairly modern replacement, but the accessories & transit chest are genuine.

I know the history of this rifle & the vendor is a close friend. I do not believe he would consciously make an untruthful statement about it, though he is in his eighties! He is now selling off most of his FAC collection, having only quite recently handed in his RFD. A few weeks ago I bought his SMLE with ER Watts scope in Purdey mounts.

[Roy W]

The rifle won't be on 'the list', but it IS built on a genuine 4T body, though with refitted pads (

.

So a composite L42, put together on a 4T action, engraved to look like an experimental one?

Not an L42 or XL42

[Roger Payne]

I think, IIRC, the mag well has also been machined out to ensure the 7.62mm rounds feed reliably.

[303 Collector]

I notice in several books by well respected authors that the engraving for
the XL is on two lines and not on one line like this rifle.
Are both types correct?

[Roy W]

I notice in several books by well respected authors that the engraving for
the XL is on two lines and not on one line like this rifle.
Are both types correct?

I don't think so

[Surpmil]

Butt is loose, weird non-standard ejector screw; why is there one at all?

Whatever paint that is it doesn't look like Suncorite and I don't see any on the trigger guard for some unknown reason.

Telescope looks like an unrestored WWII C.T &S Mk.3 and no L1A1 engraving visible.

Slightly interesting that the bracket once adorned an apparent trials No.4(T) No. A0279, but that's not the sort of stamping an original would have had.

What's up with the strange countersink of the hole in the bolt knob?

Not an original or late service production cheekrest is it?

Canadian maple forend with a No.8 or Colin Moon handguard?

And the piece de resistance: a cocking piece off a No.1 Mk.III?

With a thorough overhaul and the correct parts added it could be a decent replica?