Enfield Proof Marks

[bgcameron]

A little branch off from my last thread...

I recently bought two longbranch #4's- a 1943 and a 1950. I've noticed the Longbranch proof marks as well as Canadian Arsenals proof marks.

When were the Canadian arsenals proof marks put on Longbranch's? and would you find both the "LB" and "CA" marks on the same rifle or did the "LB" marks stop when the "CA" marks started?

 

[LeeEnfieldNo.4_mk1]

From what I know, the 1943 should have the LB markings, while the 1950 should have the CA mark. The 1943 might have the CA mark if it was refinished, but LB did not mar their refurbs like the Brits did. I think Long Branch arsenals was technically shut down in 1945, and Canadian Arsenals took over. But I might be wrong.

 

[Pblatzz]

That's right, Long Branh or SAL (Small Arms Limited) was closed and CAL was opened, finnally closing in 1976.

The CAL proof is a small tringle with a P under it, I have also seen the large C with a smaller cap A in the center.

 

[green]

The entwined LB and C enclosing A are not proof marks but manufacturers marks showing that the part was made at LB.

 

[Lee Enfield]

SAL was till Dec 31, 1945 and CAL started Jan 1, 1946.

Mixed CAL and LB markings seem to start to show up in mid 1950 production.

The 1949s seem to be LB marked.