No.4 Mk1 Identification

[kyle]

I currently own a Lee Enfield No. 4 Mk 1* in which i am havng problems identifiying completely. I say its a NO 4 Mk 1* obviously because it is stamped on the receiver, but there are parts that still puzzle me. Recently i was going through some forums and a guy had some videos describing several no4 mk 1 models, the most confusing being the part saying the * ones should not have a bolt release button but rather a open part near the breach, yet mine has the button. The other question, not pertaining to the video, was about the slotted upper handguard closest to the bolt. all no4 mk1s ive seen have not had these. Any info on this would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Information

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[Thunderbox]

If your rifle number begins with a "1", then you may have a British Maltby - these were No4 Mk1 rifles with the button release, but for some reason a batch were (accidentally?) stamped up as "No4 Mk1*".

A Maltby will also usually have an "M" on the butt socket, together with a wartime date. Its common to have all the stamps jumbled up...

[bradtx]

Kyle, Whether the rear, or lower handguard has grasping grooves depends on the miller. The requirement for the grooves was relaxed to speed production and lower cost, but some millers continued with the practice at least until they needed to retool. 'New' ones can sometimes be found on postwar beech lower handguards.

Brad

[kyle]

alright thanks, and yes it does start with a 1 but i will have to check again for the m on the but stock

[bradtx]

Kyle, The 'M' is a bit stylized and may look a bit like a flying bird depending on how well it's struck.

Brad

[Kodiac400]

All sign's point to a Maltby.........except the *. It was most likely a stamping error. If it would have been a mk1* there would either be a C or an L in the serial #. But you said that the serial # had a 1 so its a Maltby.

[Milsurp Collector]

Here is another 1944 Maltby with a 1* marking. I bought it yesterday. No importer marks, matching bolt.