Advice on getting a Canadian issue No.1 Mk III
- Thread starter bigbobmk2
- Start date
The C broad arrow on the receiver ring for a start. There really aren't any other distinctive markings. Sometimes you see the sale mark of two broad arrows point to point, sometimes inside a C and sometimes not. I know some butt marking discs were marked to WWI Canadian formations, but how common that was I don't know.
Eaglelord17
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Sault Ste. Marie
Keep in mind a C broad arrow doesn’t necessarily mean Canadian WWI issue, it simply means Canadian issue at some point.
Many of the rifles that were actually used by Canadians were likely unmarked as such. For example the Lee Enfields troops picked up on the battlefield to replace the Ross rifles. Formally we only switched over in 1916 though there was usage of Lee Enfields before that time.
There really isn’t going to be a exact marking dictating it being in Canadian hands in WWI. Obviously the year of manufacture is going to limit the time frame, but isn’t a guarantee.
Many of the rifles that were actually used by Canadians were likely unmarked as such. For example the Lee Enfields troops picked up on the battlefield to replace the Ross rifles. Formally we only switched over in 1916 though there was usage of Lee Enfields before that time.
There really isn’t going to be a exact marking dictating it being in Canadian hands in WWI. Obviously the year of manufacture is going to limit the time frame, but isn’t a guarantee.
I have two WW1 SMLE rifles with Canadian markings. Both are different in where the marks are and size of stamp.
One is N marked on the metal, LSA made. I'm thinking it was probably British navy use, saw lots of use as it was rebarreled in 1917, made in 1915. Wasn't FTR marked, still has cutoff plate and what's left of volley sights.
Other is BSA made in 1918, from the serial number it was early made or late production that may have never seen use in the war. They rolled serial numbers back after a certain amount of production. It has C marks on stock and metal. It's definitely been shot lots by how much the bolt head rotates past where it should, has a pin with number on it stuck into the stock. Number for a rack somewhere along it life?
Whether or not they saw any Canadian use in the war is a mystery. They were in Canadian service at some point in time.
One is N marked on the metal, LSA made. I'm thinking it was probably British navy use, saw lots of use as it was rebarreled in 1917, made in 1915. Wasn't FTR marked, still has cutoff plate and what's left of volley sights.
Other is BSA made in 1918, from the serial number it was early made or late production that may have never seen use in the war. They rolled serial numbers back after a certain amount of production. It has C marks on stock and metal. It's definitely been shot lots by how much the bolt head rotates past where it should, has a pin with number on it stuck into the stock. Number for a rack somewhere along it life?
Whether or not they saw any Canadian use in the war is a mystery. They were in Canadian service at some point in time.
I have two Canadian marked SMLEs, both were made at Enfield in 1916 and 1918 respectively. Both have large C broad arrow marks on the left side of the receiver, above the wood line. Both were also refurbished at SAL in 1942 with replacement barrels. The barrels have smaller C broad arrows on the right side with the barrel date and SAL acceptance marks on the left side of the barrel. Both of them have matching bolts although one has a faint C broad arrow on the bolt handle knob. Curiously, neither of them have any BNP proof marks or "ENGLAND" stamp so they were not surplused out of England and must have stayed in Canada for the majority of their service lives.
If I was looking around on the market, I would definitely look for the C broad arrow on the left side of the receiver as the barrel markings will be covered over by the hand guard and may not be accessible. I would, as others have suggested, keep an eye out on the wood stock for any C broad arrow markings.
I have attached a few pictures of the markings of one of mine to show what to keep an eye out for. Good luck in your hunt.
If I was looking around on the market, I would definitely look for the C broad arrow on the left side of the receiver as the barrel markings will be covered over by the hand guard and may not be accessible. I would, as others have suggested, keep an eye out on the wood stock for any C broad arrow markings.
I have attached a few pictures of the markings of one of mine to show what to keep an eye out for. Good luck in your hunt.
