decoding etched numbers on a Lee Enfield

D

David Scott

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I recently purchased a 1918 vintage SHT LE No. 1 Mk. 111. The major components of the gun have some free hand etchings on them in addition to the typical stampings. I know the stampings “H 1623” is the serial number. I know the etching “FTR 1953” refers to Factory thorough repair in 1953. The other etchings “V26 215 and 102 335 288” I suspect may be a result of the FTR process the gun went through but I was wondering someone on this forum can confirm that or set me straight?

Magazine 102 335 288 (etching)
bolt V26 215 (etching) H 1623 (Stamping)
receiver 102 335 288 (etching) H 1623 (Stamping) FTR 1953
rear sight V26 215 (etching) H 1623 (Stamping)
front cover H 1623 (Stamping)
barrel 102 335 288 (etching) H 1623 (Stamping)


Bolt etching


Receiver etching


Magazine etching



Barrel and receiver


bolt stamp


Front cap


receiver etching


wrist band
 
Hitzy said:
102 335 288 looks like someone's SIN number.....dunno about the other one....Drivers Licence maybe?
Click to expand...

Yup, looks like an all matching rifle (the stamps) with someone's SIN and DL etched on to identify the owner - this used to be a common method of "theft proofing" before identity theft became common.

PS - nice rifle, beautiful shape.
 
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I will timidly venture to say you have a nice old rifle. :) The etching is now part of the package. One can wonder about the previous owner(s), and enjoy the rifle as it is.

I have one of those "FTR 1953" examples. Because mine is owned and operated by me alone, I can stand up and say it is a beautiful old rifle! :p
 
Hi. The barrel and receiver stamps are required by English law on any milsurp that was sold through England. They're civilian proof stamps. The 'England' is mostly for the U.S., but it is a pre-1968 export mark.
FTR 1953 means it was Factory Through Repaired(as in rebuilt) in 1953.
The 1623 is the S/N. It should be on the receiver too. That'd be really good. Means it 'matches', but that does not mean the headspace is good. Not seeing an 'H' on the stampings sites. This is one of those. No W's. home.earthlink.net/~smithkaia8/index.html
The other numbers have nothing to do with the FTR or the military. Likely are personal numbers of a previous owner.
 
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