1930 Enfield #1 mk VI

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Karl

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I recently picked up a bubbafied #1 mk VI dated 1930. Pondering on what to do with it......

Since the barrel is uncut and the numbers on the reciever, bolt, and barrel match; this would be obviously a good candidate for restoration. Would it be too much to hope for to find the correct wood or should #4 mk 1 wood be used? This rifle has a slot for a mag cut-off. What would a restored #1 mk6 be worth?
 
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nice find, a rare beast indeed. To bad its bubba'ed

Out of the MkVI trials came the No4 rifle. Some of the trial rifles are marked as MkVI while others are marked as No4 Mk1, later these rifles were upgraded to the No4 Mk1 standard, but because they had non standard parts were all marked with the letter A as a suffix to the serial numbers. It is interesting to note that the MkVI rifles had magazine cutoffs, and the No4 rifles do not but still retain the magazine cutoff boss on the right side of the receiver.
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I for some reason think that only about 500 No1 MkVI's were made before the started marking the trial rifles as No4's

Off the top of my head I don't see why you could'nt get No4 wood to fit but there were a few differences. Finding MKVI wood or even a set from one of the original trial No4's is a daunting task.
 
Of course it is worth restoring. Might be a long term project, though. No telling if any original bits could be had, or whether it would be a case of making or adapting. Can't suggest what a properly restored one would be worth. Good luck with it.
 
It is interesting to note that the MkVI rifles had magazine cutoffs, and the No4 rifles do not but still retain the magazine cutoff boss on the right side of the receiver.
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The troop trials no4mk1s still had the magazine cut offs. I bought a sniper (T) converted one at the gun show in Brandon about 6 years back, and when I was walking back to my table with it, some of the other guys thought it was a Heinz57 gun.
 
Your rifle is a rare bird. Spend the time on references to learn what you need to do to bring it back to its first condition. Skennerton's books are expensive, but worthwhile.

Think of it like as Britain's equivalent to the US two-digit M1 Garand gas-trap .... And there are Americans who'll pay mid-5-figures for a repro gas trap!
 
No1 Mk VI

I have a friend in Halifax with one of them and he is restoring it. I will ask him what he has found and if he has any spare parts. I have a buddy that came across one of the No4 Long Branch rifles with the laminated stocks. Another one has an Experimental Inglis High Power Alloy receiver 9mm. Just when you think you will never come across something it shows up unexpectedly. I will check on the No1 Mk VI.
Albayo
 
The Mk VI is beside a #4 mk 1 for comparison
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Sweet find! Easiest would be to restore it to a 1941 conversion the No.4Mk1 standard. Original bits are unobtainium... sadly.
 
The rifle appears to have been suncorite finished at one time. This being the case, restoration to 1941 rebuild standard as Claven2 has suggested would be quite appropriate. It would also be a lot easier, and much less expensive. If the rifle was redone early in the war, as essentailly all were, putting it back to 1930 condition would almost be a rerestoration.
 
The A suffix, No4 cocking piece & rear sight indicate that this No1MkVI has been brought up to No4 standard at some point in it's life.

If the butt stock doesn't have a marking disk, it's probably been replaced as well.

Re-build it to No4 status (early wood & bands) & it's as correct as it can probably get.

Congrats & good luck
D
 
Mk VI

Thanks for all the replys and ideas

1941 standard, early wood and bands.....I was not aware of those. Sounds like the best bet is to find an early full wood #4 that fits the bill and switch the wood.

Anyone have one laying around that they would part with?
 
Karl said:
Thanks for all the replys and ideas

1941 standard, early wood and bands.....I was not aware of those. Sounds like the best bet is to find an early full wood #4 that fits the bill and switch the wood.

Anyone have one laying around that they would part with?
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Look around for a 1942 produced No4, or just a low "cut-off" No4 forend. You'll find one eventually...

If you find a 1941 dated No4, DO NOT part it out, they are almost as rare in original cond as your No1MkVI.

D
 
I agree with Lee Enfield. Should be able to find a Brit forend with the low right hand sidewall.
 
Low cut #4 forestocks for magazine cut offs are still around.I have a couple, and used to have several. Interestingly not much in the way of proofs or inspectors marks on the one I'm looking at here.
A large 5 and a 4 on bottom of stock. Also an L an inch over a 4 stamped on top left side at action. On the metal nose peice under where the front band would sit is a double stamped bold S. Savage? Wood is light walnut.
Also I should add that the machining contours are somewhat different inside mortise of stock action.
 
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One book to buy before you spend money on parts is:
"For Collectors Only, British Enfield Rifles, Vol2 (2ne Ed) Lee-Enfield No.4 and No.5 Rifles" by Charles R Stratton, North Cape Publ. 2003. ISBN 1-882391-24-1 www.northcapepubs.com

The terminology of early, late, 1st or 2nd variation etc will become more clear. Not perfectly clear, but less unclear. Clear?
 
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