DP marked P14

[Steve1987]

Hi,

This P14 is from a collection I've been slowly selling, it looked mechanically sound and matching without any issues but it was quickly noticed the front band was marked DP for (I think) Drill Purposes!

Is there any hope for this otherwise decent WWI P14 or should I simply sell it as parts value? All opinions welcome - I'm trying to get threw these guns and some of this stuff is beyond my knowledge. Should the rifle be marked DP in places other than the front band - perhaps it's from a different gun? The previous owner was shooting this rifle on occasion and was a machinist.

-Steve

 

[davemccarthy707]

It's fine in my opinion. It would have DP marked in more critical places such as the receiver if it was remotely unsafe to shoot. Just my opinion though.

 

[Steve1987]

It's fine in my opinion. It would have DP marked in more critical places such as the receiver if it was remotely unsafe to shoot. Just my opinion though.

Thanks - Looking for any opinions before it hits the EE again. I would imagine this sort of marking even if just on the front band most likely would significantly effect the value?

-Steve

 

[davemccarthy707]

Also, that's not the original stock. That stock is from a M1917 US model of 1917 30-06 rifle.
Value would be from 250-400. Depending on bore.

 

[mr.e moose]

Are you sure its a 1917 stock? After all it has a C broadarrow on the butt and no red band

 

[Steve1987]

Also, that's not the original stock. That stock is from a M1917 US model of 1917 30-06 rifle.
Value would be from 250-400. Depending on bore.

Bore is actually pretty decent.

Another member suggested it may have been marked DP for training purposes perhaps during WWII, when the rifle had become outdated for frontline service.

Interested to know more about the stock. The butt plate parts are all marked E.

-Steve

 

[maple_leaf_eh]

I have a DP marked P'1914 bolt installed in a M1917 receiver and barreled for .300 WM. As long as the parts have been thoroughly inspected to determine why something earned the DP marking, and its condition understood, there is no reason to automatically dismiss this rifle.

The UK armourer's orders had a series of inspections. Rifles that were new met one set of standards. Progressively as they were used (and abused), parts would wear or break. In the presence of abundant supplies of new rifles, those in poorer condition could be weeded out and sidelined, until eventually they were only good for Drill Purposes. Good for carrying on parade, issuing to fumble-handed recruits or used as ladders on obstacles courses. The defect might have been just one bad gauge measurement or something more dramatic like a serious crack in the steel. Figure out what that fault is, and you'll know what to worry about.

 

[points]

Also, that's not the original stock. That stock is from a M1917 US model of 1917 30-06 rifle.
Value would be from 250-400. Depending on bore.

I agree. That's the first thing I noticed. No, Daves price is probably right. A p14 stock would bring the price up considerably. Marstar has a few left as we speak.

 

[Steve1987]

I agree. That's the first thing I noticed. No, Daves price is probably right. A p14 stock would bring the price up considerably. Marstar has a few left as we speak.

I'll be leaving the rifle as is, although thanks for the info on marstar. Wouldn't the stock have most likely been switched by the military - perhaps during a re-build?

I have a DP marked P'1914 bolt installed in a M1917 receiver and barreled for .300 WM. As long as the parts have been thoroughly inspected to determine why something earned the DP marking, and its condition understood, there is no reason to automatically dismiss this rifle.

The UK armourer's orders had a series of inspections. Rifles that were new met one set of standards. Progressively as they were used (and abused), parts would wear or break. In the presence of abundant supplies of new rifles, those in poorer condition could be weeded out and sidelined, until eventually they were only good for Drill Purposes. Good for carrying on parade, issuing to fumble-handed recruits or used as ladders on obstacles courses. The defect might have been just one bad gauge measurement or something more dramatic like a serious crack in the steel. Figure out what that fault is, and you'll know what to worry about.

Thanks. I will take another close look tomorrow, the previous owner was shooting it.


-Steve

 

[rgg_7]

IMO the rifle has been assembled from a sporter. The "DP" on the nose piece was probably what was available...check to see if it is marked E,R or W. The stock is not P14 and it is not uncommon to see a "C Broadarrow" on a M1917 that was in Canadian service. Handguards look P14 however would have to be removed to see markings. It's an Eddystone therefore all the parts shouls be marked "E". Enjoy the rifle for what it is. Value $300 to 400 if the bore is good and stock not cracked.

 

[Steve1987]

Thanks for the help guys, I have definitely learned some stuff here. This rifle needed discussing.

Rather than re-list later, I figured it would be most honest to just edit the add with a link to this thread so next owner knows exactly what they're getting, and priced accordingly.

-Steve

 

[points]

I'll be leaving the rifle as is, although thanks for the info on marstar. Wouldn't the stock have most likely been switched by the military - perhaps during a re-build?



Thanks. I will take another close look tomorrow, the previous owner was shooting it.


-Steve

The M17 stock will fit but with some modification. An armourers rebuild would not have used an m17 stock. This would have been done later. An armourer would however use any of the three manufacturers stock as any part that fit was fair game. So you don't need an Eddy stock on an Eddy. You could use a Remington or Winchester and still be correct for period (my opinion).