Repair Barrels

[Mk VII]

In researching surviving papers from the London Small Arms Co. recently I came across the following for Sht L.E. barrels -
order received from MM [Ministry of Munitions] for 1000 ea. Rectangle and [Rectangle-with-a-R-inside]barrels for repair purposes at 12/6d and 9/6d respectively, the prices having been agreed with BSA.
Anyone observed a barrel with these markings? There must have been a reason for the differential in price.

[Surpmil]

Possibly bought from BSA on the quiet and resold to the Ministry? Or was the agreement with BSA just a little polite price-fixing?

[Mk VII]

The papers clearly show they were in a price-fixing ring with BSA, with regular consultations on the prices to be quoted for even quite trivial items. Such arrangements were probably not illegal, at the time. But I don't think they bought these from them, or the minutes book would have said so. They did earlier [1915] get permission to supply rifles with second-grade imperfect barrels to the War Office (price reduced by 2/- in consequence) and BSA said they did not approve of this arrangement (though they later followed suit)

[Surpmil]

It was a lovely war for bankers, directors, shareholders and profiteers.

One could read about it for hours: Have Britain's WWI debts been repaid? - Google Search

[Mk VII]

A friend has now provided a list of stamps used by the Ministry of Munitions where these marks appear

Sub-standard barrels, but, apparently still useable for repairs. In July 1918 the Ministry buys another 4000 Rectangle R barrels at 11/9d ea.

[Alan de Enfield]

A friend has now provided a list of stamps used by the Ministry of Munitions where these marks appearhttps://www.milsurps.com/attachment....72&cid=1&stc=1

Sub-standard barrels, but, apparently still useable for repairs. In July 1918 the Ministry buys another 4000 Rectangle R barrels at 11/9d ea.

Is there any idication as to why 3 categories of 'non-standard' was needed, or, what the difference was between each category ?

In 1916 BSA were supplying completed SMLE at 75/-

11/9 seems to quite a high figure for a 'reject' (not to specification) barrel.

[Mk VII]

No, there's no further information (lucky to find this much, I think)

[Alan de Enfield]

No, there's no further information (lucky to find this much, I think)

Indeed - its just so tantalising that somewhere is a detailed explanation of who, why, what and when !

[Surpmil]

A friend has now provided a list of stamps used by the Ministry of Munitions where these marks appearhttps://www.milsurps.com/attachment....72&cid=1&stc=1

Sub-standard barrels, but, apparently still useable for repairs. In July 1918 the Ministry buys another 4000 Rectangle R barrels at 11/9d ea.

These marks were only for new barrels or also barrels salvaged from condemned rifles?

The "C" and "R" suggests the usual "cord-worn/cut" and "rusted" classifications.

[Mk VII]

No, they were for the Ministry's inspectors, not the Army's working in the field.