Brass follower in a No 4 Enfield magazine

[cantom]

I just bought an EAL sporter rifle. Found in it was this no 4 mag, Broad Arrow marked on the rear and with this follower which appears to be of brass. Anyone seen these before or know the story on them? I'm guessing it might be a No 1 Mk III follower that someone put in a No 4 shell but who knows?

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[myenfield]

I have never seen or heard of a brass follower in a Lee Enfield. Is there a chance that someone plated it at some time? Is it magnetic (will a magnet stick to it)?

 

[cantom]

I have never seen or heard of a brass follower in a Lee Enfield. Is there a chance that someone plated it at some time? Is it magnetic (will a magnet stick to it)?

Good call! My magnetic tip screwdrivers seem to stick to it...so it's plated?

 

[tiriaq]

x2. Interesting. Let us know.

 

[Beater]

whats the underside of it look like? sure its not just painted?

 

[cantom]

whats the underside of it look like? sure its not just painted?

If I had to guess I'd say it's brass or bronze plated or dipped. The top portion of the spring is the same colour as the follower, the bottom of the spring looks like normal. A magnet sticks to it as shown.

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[Vimy Ridge]

Weird, anyone guess why someone would do that to the follower???

 

[RobSmith]

Weird, anyone guess why someone would do that to the follower???

Somebody's idea to deal with surface rust ?

 

[BadgerDog]

I'm guessing it might be a No 1 Mk III follower that someone put in a No 4 shell but who knows?

The 3 stamped on the top of the follower means that it is:

Magazine follower No.3, usually for magazine case No.4

Source: "The Broad Arrow" by Skennerton

Regards,
Badger