Help identify this 1944 No1 MK3*

[Lucite]

So I just bought this No1 mk3* and on the way home I noticed the manufacturer was listed as long branch I found this as a surprise and I really didn't see any LB marks but here's some pictures of the various markings and there's this one mark that can best be described as two crossed p's

this last one isn't a BSA its E.S.A

 

[plinker 777]

Hmm. She's "been there, done that". Ishy screw? something weird about those wrist strikes. I don't believe it's a Longbranch manufacture friend.

 

[LeeEnfieldNo.4_mk1]

If I remember right, "GRI" is a marking used by the Ishipore Factory in India.

 

[tiriaq]

Georgius Rex Imperator.
Indian SMLE.
Don't know why someone would have thought it was made at Long Branch. LB made some SMLE parts and apparently rebuilt some.

 

[maple_leaf_eh]

Take it back for a refund. There is no geographic way it could be both a GRI No.1 and a Long Branch. A little honesty goes a long way, and shafting an unsuspecting buyer is never wise.

 

[Lucite]

Huh I had my suspicions that it may be an Ishapore when I didn't see any Lithgow marks on it, also now that I have her apart to give a well needed cleaning the barrel has olive green paint on it almost the entire length.

Take it back for a refund. There is no geographic way it could be both a GRI No.1 and a Long Branch. A little honesty goes a long way, and shafting an unsuspecting buyer is never wise.

It was never sold as a long branch just a no1 mk3 it was only listed as an LB on the paperwork under manufacturer

 

[LeeEnfieldNo.4_mk1]

Huh I had my suspicions that it may be an Ishapore when I didn't see any Lithgow marks on it, also now that I have her apart to give a well needed cleaning the barrel has olive green paint on it almost the entire length.


I was never sold as a long branch just a no1 mk3 it was only listed as an LB on the paperwork under manufacturer

Don't take that off, it was applied at factory to protect the metal that is under the wood.

 

[smellie]

GRI: Georgius Rex et Imperator: George, King and Emperor: commonly used to mark rifles for Imperial service built at Ishapore Arsenal in India.

I.S.A.: another Ishapore marking, possible Ishapore State Arsenal and likely applied post-1948 Independence.

PRP I have seen before but don't know what it means. Regimental marking, most likely.

It's a genuine Number 1 Mark 3*, made a year after the British quit building them. Many thouands are STILL in Service in India and Pakistan both. The standard of finish was not as high as with the British and Australian rifles, but the materials were the same and they all had to pass the same Proof tests. Stocks look a bit different because of the different type of wood used: you don't find much European or American Black Walnut in India, so they used local woods and treated them to serve as useful stocks.

It can certainly be made to shoot well and, if there is such a thing as a "real" milsurp, this rifle is certainly one of them. Nice old piece; I have her twin. Treat her well and she'll outlast you AND your grandson and put meat in the freezer every year, just as sort of bonus.
.

 

[canuck98k]

I have a 42 Lithgow that has been in Indian hands. It has the same ESA markings and the PRP on the stock.

 

[Nabs]

1944 Indian Isaphore made No 1 Mk III * SMLE.

You do have some nice markings on the wood though. The green paint is normal and was applied as an anti corrosion method for below the stock line.

 

[Lucite]

Well I finished cleaning most of it all that's left is the bore. That being said its definitely an interesting addition to my collection now the question is does it shoot straight, it looks like someone drifted the front sight over 1/32 from the original index mark.