Double serials on Enfields....why?

[bogusiii]

I wonder if any Enfield experts out there can shed light on these double serials. I'm sure they would have driven the LGR folks nuts but oh well. My only theory is they are possible Indian armoury rebuilds as that's where they often stamped 'new' designations, though not serials in my experience. There are no other Indian markings but I have no idea if the wood has been replaced. What I find odd is that if these are arsenal rebuilds, what was the need to re-serial? Why wasn't the original serial crossed out?

I have four examples where a second serial (two letters followed by five numbers) is stamped on the left wrist. The examples are as follows:

Photo 1 is a 1943 Shirley No.4 Mk.1

Photo 2 is a 1944 Long Branch No.4 Mk.1*

Photo 3 is an unknown date Long Branch No.4 Mk.1*. This one has only the re-stamped serial. Both the original serial and the "No.4 Mk.1* LONG BRANCH 194?" on the recieiver has been removed.

Photo 4 is a 1918 Enfield No.1 Mk.III*

 

[tiriaq]

A reinforcing screw in the forend is an Indian modification.

 

[bogusiii]

A reinforcing screw in the forend is an Indian modification.

Yes, the dreaded "Ishy" screw. None of these rifles have it.

 

[Lt_Data]

I would guess each military has their own 'system' for cataloging items, and would put their own serial as they saw fit.

 

[desporterizer]

Yes, the dreaded "Ishy" screw. None of these rifles have it.

Wood may have been swapped post import.

 

[RangeRover]

The top rifle of your three, the 'AA' prefix rifle, saw service with Indian state, rather than national forces. I had a '41 Long Branch with a similar prefix, original serialed fore-end and no screw through the forearm. A search then led to that piece of info. The prefix apparently standing for the state in question.

Can't speak to the other two.