1915 SMLE FTR questions

[ricohman]

I recently bought a 1915 SMLE that has an FTR stamp on the receiver. It is all matching however the barrel is like new and was obviously replaced as it has a 3 48 stamp but it is numbered to the receiver.
It also has a "W" over the serial numbers and a "19" inside the woodwork as well as on the barrel and other parts.
Would the 19 and W be related to the person who assembled it?
I am also wondering if the stock is beech.
It is not blued like my other SMLE's but seems to be coated (multiple coats) in a tough type of black paint. Not the best looking finish however it is part of the history of this rifle and I won't be trying to refinish.

 

[woodchopper]

barrel is a 1944 barrel

the W6237 stamped on the wood should be the same as the serial number.

also marked on the nose cap, rear sight, breach and barrel.

 

[Pblatzz]

1915/6 action, Canadian Marked..

Barrel is ?/44 for 1944, 3/48 for the FTR.

I have never seen a C Broad arrow marked Beech butt stock. Looks like the stock colour and finish match.
Possible UK supplied stock set/FTR return to CDN Depot/ownership?

Do the serial numbers match. Any serial numbers have the same font size and shape. The bolt is most likely replaced, so is the stock and renumbered to match.

Pete

 

[bogusiii]

You wouldn't expect to see the mag cut off on such a late FTR.

 

[ricohman]

1915/6 action, Canadian Marked..

Barrel is ?/44 for 1944, 3/48 for the FTR.

I have never seen a C Broad arrow marked Beech butt stock. Looks like the stock colour and finish match.
Possible UK supplied stock set/FTR return to CDN Depot/ownership?

Do the serial numbers match. Any serial numbers have the same font size and shape. The bolt is most likely replaced, so is the stock and renumbered to match.

Pete

All the serial numbers match. The barrel numbers are a slightly different font than the receiver though.
I bought this from Corwin's last bunch, so it's pretty much as sold off by whomever had them. Some of my No4's have had the inspection tag still hanging from the buttstock.

 

[enefgee]

The black paint looks like Suncorite, do not strip it off, it's toxic and even thinking of stripping it off is a bad thing.

Awesome rifle, by the way.

 

[kjohn]

I have a nice old SMLE 1953 FTR. I haven't given it the real eagle eye as yet. Love those old rifles.