It seems there is much interest in the auction below. Looks to me like there have been some enhancements made to the rig. The scope and rifle seem to match and matches the scope tin markings. The mount markings are very unclear and it appears not to match the rifle's serial number. The most striking oddity is that the rifle serial number has been stamped on the wrist of the buttstock where the scope serial number should be stamped.
Looks pretty honest with a mismatch telescope and bracket. I've seen the rifle number stamped on the top of the wrist before but it's usually a wartime Maltby No.4Mk.1 or an L42A1. I've never seen it on a No.4T. Guessing someone stamped it over the original telescope number but could be wrong. Someone always has to "improve" things when they should just leave it alone. It is what it is.
Yes, I'd agree. Lovely typical 44 BSA with Sykes woodwork & brunofixed finish. Scope & bracket mismatched, but genuine enough. I've see a few 4T's with rifle numbers instead of or as well as scope numbers on the butt, though only two or three. I put it down to over enthusiastic individuals during refurbs! And of course, sometimes it's bad fakery. Overall, I'd give this rifle house room!
IMHO they would have renumbered the mount if it was paired up with the rifle in service. The scope and rifle number was added to the inside of the can. I doubt this would be done with a mismatched mount. The numbers on the top of the wrist have a square shanked stamp. These numbers were stamped with stamps with round shanks originally. At least the forends were. The numbers on the outside of the can have been removed and it looks like a B prefix rifle serial number is present on the lid that does not match the rifle. I feel the rifle has been humped to enhance.
Last edited by scharfschutzen63; 01-09-2024 at 02:22 PM.
I'm inclined to agree. The original stamps used to mark the scope number on the butt are also wood marking stamps without the squared base that also leaves its impression around the number. And as you say, if done in service the original rifle number on the bracket would have been barred through & the new number applied.
Thank you all for the insights!!! So many here have seen so many of these rifles and had many of them pass through their hands. Nothing better than real world experience.
This set was featured in a YouTube video by M&P Family Productions 3 years ago.
They stated that it was bought a a Las Vegas gun show about 2016-2017.
Ignore the part where the gent tells us how the No32 sight was designed for the 6 Pdr. AT gun etc. etc.
“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.”
PM
Originally Posted by Seaforth72
