Drilled Long Branch Bolt Handle?

LeeEnfieldNo.4_mk1

LeeEnfieldNo.4_mk1

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Just picked up a nice Early 1941 Longbranch No.4 Mk1 (No Star). One thing I noticed is the bolt handle is drilled similar to a No.5 handle. It is not a No.5 Bolt as its numbers matching, also C Broad arrow marked With Canadian proof marking. its also not the same shape as a NO.5 handle. Also has a LB marked round cocking piece with a LB marked bolt head.

Did some digging through Skennertons book and while there is no direct description of the bolt handle (That I found) there are some pictures of early/prototype rifles with a drilled bolt.

One Other thing is the fore-end does not have any markings at all. I don;t have any reason to believe this is a re-stocked rifle as it came from a long time collector who acquired most of his collection decades ago and was very pickey. Everything else including the bands appears correct. Maybe sanded? Or did early rifle not have some of the common markings?

Any Idea's?

Thanks.
 
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CODFan said:
The hollowed bolt handle is good.

Please post pictures of the wood and rifle.

Thanks
Click to expand...

Agreed on above. A 41 has a drilled bolt handle.

Typically the forend would at least be marked with LB and C Broad Arrow...should probably have the s/n on it too.
Signs of sanding?

What does it have for an upper band, sight protector and what is marked on the upper handguard metal? (CCM?)
 
Hard to tell if the stock has been sanded, edges still look OK and no visible sanding marks. Just none of the normal LB markings.

As for bands, the upper band (or lower?) behind the front sight is not the hinged type but is the older thick solid type, LB and C broad arrow marked. Middle band is C broad arrow marked. Sight protector looks like the standard later machined type, not the waited one. No markings on the handguarad metal that I can see unless its under the band.
 
There are many nuances with these early rifles.

I hate to say it .... “need a few pictures to comment further”

Can you share a portion of the serial # xLxx..
 
Pulled the front band off, the handguard does not have any markings on the metal but is LB and C broad arrow marked.

The forend cap is marked CCM with a c broadrrow

As for pics, Ill see what I can do but Im not one to share pics of what I have on the intertnet, a little tin foil I suppose.

I know pics are probably the best way. Honestly while It would be nice to know every detail I am quite happy with my find. Just figured I would see what I can find.

Update: So, I pulled out one of my other LB no.4 and had it next to the '41. And I believe the stock was most likely sanded at one point and all the missing markings were lost. One thing that is pointing towards this is the flat "bottom" around the mag/trigger guard assy is almost completely gone, as is the flat spot just behind the front sling swivel. The butt stock also looks like it got the treatment as the markings are quite faint. I have a feeling the fore-stock was replaced at one point as it is quite light inside, likely birch or maple, and was stained to match the darker hand guards. Also looks like it was worked on as the draws and the bearing surface for the reinforce have been removed and replaced with a new piece of wood. Must have happened quite a while ago as like I said the past owner has had the rifle for quite some time.

Ill see about getting pics, a little disappointing really, but still a good find with its mint original 41 barrel and very low serial.
 
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I recently just got an early 1941 0L2*** Longbranch. I has a LB marked drilled bolt handle and round cocking piece, as well and the waisted front sight and hinged front band. It does not have LB marked wood, I believe it is British. I'm wondering if it is early enough that LB was getting wood from the Brits?
 
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