Longbranch Fever

Sad, I was hoping something would still be there. There are many factory buildings from the 1920s and 1930s in that same area with broken windows but they are still standing.

When I get a chance, I will go there and try to snap some pictures for you guys.

Who knows, maybe if I bring a shovel, start digging, I can pull up my own Longbranch Enfield :D.
 
The 10 on the receiver is probably a rack number, there are two other "10" on the stock, one is stamped in the wood and the other is painted in white.

P1000399.jpg
 
Canuck13 said:
Try typing in "Marie Curtis Park Mississauga, ON, Canada" into Google Maps or Google satellite. Zoom in (set to "Satellite" if using Google Maps) and look for the water tower. You are looking at what's left of of the old Long Branch, Canadian Arsenal factory. :(

LBFactory.jpg
[/IMG]

LBWaterTower.jpg
[/IMG]
Click to expand...

that's exactly right...
and if you follow the bicycle path along the lake, you will see the remainder of their shooting range...
 
purple said:
So here's an old chestnut to re-roast on markings. Some say that mags and forestocks were serial numbered to the rifle at the factory while some say that numbering was done at unit level. I think I've seen enough original condition rifles to persuade me that this was not done at the factory.
Click to expand...

I was looking through the LB factory shots again and noticed the stamped numbering on the fore-stocks. 1941 production?

26683778lb16.jpg
[/IMG]
 
Canuck13 said:
I was looking through the LB factory shots again and noticed the stamped numbering on the fore-stocks. 1941 production?

26683778lb16.jpg
[/IMG]
Click to expand...

Good eye! These old photos are invaluable for research like this. If nothing else it shows that at least some were serialized at the factory. I don't see anything to indicate the year of production. Is there a copy of this photo in the National Archives with a date associated?
 
Infanteer90 said:
Good eye! These old photos are invaluable for research like this. If nothing else it shows that at least some were serialized at the factory. I don't see anything to indicate the year of production. Is there a copy of this photo in the National Archives with a date associated?
Click to expand...

Sounds like I have a new project for my next visit to Ottawa. My 1941 question was in regards to JP's comment:

"Early in production Serial Numbers were stamped, but that was discontinued fairly quickly. Most of the serial numbering seen was at Unit level or by Foreign Governments after leaving the factory".

In addition I found this photo group on flickr which might be of interest to some.

Cheers

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sirber/sets/72157604166016630/
 
Re post # 49. That's a great photo and one can't argue with that kind of evidence. I've owned a 1942 LB,12L s/n for many yrs. It has the s/n stamped exactly where the ones in the photo are and it is so symetrical that it does look like an original factory job.
 
Canuck13 said:
I didn't know Long Branch made the H&R Topper. Thanks for the info. I would love to see pictures. Now I'm going to have to try and find me one. :shotgun:
Click to expand...

Even knowing that, I've seen em cheap at gun shows and couldn't muster a great deal of enthusiasm...don't overpay.

BTW, they weren't all made there AFAIK. Look at the receiver, the ones that were say Long Branch on them.
 
Last edited:
Infanteer90 said:
Good eye! These old photos are invaluable for research like this. If nothing else it shows that at least some were serialized at the factory. I don't see anything to indicate the year of production. Is there a copy of this photo in the National Archives with a date associated?
Click to expand...

I'll see, that is where I got the photos in the first place, theres alot to sort through.

The link provided for these pics is from my site. I'll see what I can find or post a link for you.
 
Canuck13 said:
Sounds like I have a new project for my next visit to Ottawa. My 1941 question was in regards to JP's comment:

"Early in production Serial Numbers were stamped, but that was discontinued fairly quickly. Most of the serial numbering seen was at Unit level or by Foreign Governments after leaving the factory".

In addition I found this photo group on flickr which might be of interest to some.

Cheers

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sirber/sets/72157604166016630/
Click to expand...

The latest LB with a factory serialed forend which I have seen is a 1943. I also had a mint 1943 w/o a serialed forend...

They also made a change to the receiver contour during the 1943 production year...
 
"...Dixie Rd. and Lakeshore Blvd..." Lakeshore Blvd becomes Lakeshore Rd. when you cross Mimico Creek. Now in Mississauga. (Mississagua was made from amalgamating a slew of small towns. Mississauga didn't exist during W.W. II.) Long Branch was one of 'em. Building was torn down several years ago.
"...ever make No.I Mk.III's..." No.
The best No.4's ever made were post war Long Branch rifles. Very highly skilled workies and very high QC.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom