Another good, juicy Lee Enfield mystery (C broad arrow stamped receiver etc...)

[louthepou]

Hi folks, this story starts with "Once upon a time, Louis got a cheap sporter No1Mk3*, minus the magazine".

The story continues, and the action pics up quickly.

"After he stripped it apart, he noticed this marking on the receiver:"

But the plot takes an unexpected turn! "Louis notices that the barrel was changed, with a "42" visible on the right side, and no serial number. Then looking on the other side for more info... he sees what looks surprisingly like the typical LongBranch mark..."

Now, I know it's easy to confuse the Longbranch "B over L" mark with, say, a simple "B", but here, I can definitely see that the straight vertical line extends beyond the B at the top, and the bottom horizontal line extends beyond the bottom B's bulge. (I looked with a 20x microscope!)

So, did LongBranch make No1Mk3 barrels, or... what's going on here?

 

[36 hamon]

yes they did make barrels and replaced worn barrels i have had them in past ....cool find you got very lucky they are a bit scarce

 

[green]

LB made No1 Barrels , I have one new with the wrapper.

 

[gaff]

is it a No1 barrel or just a No4 barrel fitted to a No1 action? does a No1 rear sight base fit on the barrel? is the hole drilled for the cross pin? how long is the barrel now? what is the diameter at the muzzle ? pictures?

 

[louthepou]

Sorry, gaff, I should have mentioned - it's a No1Mk3 barrel, with everything bone stock on it.

I learn new things every day, I didn't know LB made No1Mk3 barrels, thanks folks!

 

[rgg_7]

Nice snag Lou.

Your pictures show that the barrel is not snugged up against the receiver....be careful with this prior to shooting. How's the headspace. You need a nice set of beech replacement Canadian wood..would be an awesome rifle. Ron

 

[RRCo.]

Also have a 42 that's been sported. The only consolation is that it was well crowned, has exc. rifling and a nice looking foresight.

 

[englishman_ca]

No.1 barrels breech up tight against the end of the barrel, whereas No.4 barrels breech up tight against the shoulder. So a shoulder gap is not an issue on a No.1.

 

[AdrianM]

Cool. Nice find Lou.

 

[RRCo.]

You can see that receiver has been through the wars. Look at the surface: finely pitted, bumped and nicked, with that soft, rounded down look that comes from long handling and repeated grit blastings etc. There's a rifle that could have been anywhere from 2nd Ypres to Vimy to Passchendaele to the 100 Days. History in your hand, though mute.

 

[louthepou]

"nice, mute barreled action, number matching, in good shape. looks young for its age. Looking for single beech stock set, younger applicants welcome. Looking to spend time together, chatting about history, and going on occasional trips to the range for some... Action. Serious long term relationship definite possibility."

 

[SKScanuck]

Nice find Lou. If it does want to go on a date, I have a C-Arrow marked No1 MkIII that might be interested.

 

[BUSHMAN79]

Yes, LB made parts for the SMLE. I had a 1918 Mk. III* with a '42 dated LB barrel. The sights slanted too much for my liking. I think Trade-Ex had some of the SMLE barrels a couple of years back, didn't they?

 

[SA85M1]

Just scrounged a Canuck marked 1917 BSA that is waiting for a nosecap to finish her up...now to find one of these.....nice find Lou!

 

[BUSHMAN79]

I think I still have a couple of SMLE nosecaps up for grabs.