How can i tell the year of my Lee Enfiled

[Sharky]

I just got my first enfield and completely took iy appart to see a year stamp but i cant find one is there a way i can tell the year of it from the serial number>

 

[aric84]

There should be a marking on the wrist(metal part of the receiver between the buttstock and the forearm. On a No1, its on the right side, My No.4 has it on the left, and also on the left side of the reciever.

 

[Dave.S]

You can also look on the barrel knoxform.There is a date stamped there sometimes.eg.43 ect..Dave

 

[Sharky]

Thanks Dave there is a 43 on the barrel under the wood.

 

[sunray]

"...there is a 43 on the barrel..." Barrel date. Not necessarily the receiver date. There were no S/N blocks by manufacturer.
Serial numbers were mostly for inventory control. Those records have long since been destroyed.
What model do you have? A No. 4 or No. 1?

 

[Sharky]

No4 mark i

 

[sunray]

"...No. 4 mark I..." Date of manufacture should be on the left side of the receiver. Lots of good info here. Markings are under Part One. Click on General info Markings Page 2. http://enfieldrifles.profusehost.net/main.htm
Have the headspace checked before you shoot it.

 

[tiriaq]

"...There were no serial number blocks by manufacturer...."
"...Serial numbers were mostly for inventory control..."
Really? There are published tables listing the serial blocks used by different No. 4 makers.
Mind you, some makers used serial number patterns that identify the maker instantly.

 

[Sharky]

I cant find anything like 1943 etc anywhere on the gun i will take pics and post.

 

[Pblatzz]

Just a quick note, Sometimes they stamps were applkied so fast, thier almost unreadable.

 

[Vimy Ridge]

"...There were no serial number blocks by manufacturer...."
"...Serial numbers were mostly for inventory control..."
Really? There are published tables listing the serial blocks used by different No. 4 makers.
Mind you, some makers used serial number patterns that identify the maker instantly.

Right like the Savage "C" or Long Branch "L". Although in fairness there is much less known rhyme and reason to SMLE serial numbers than No4 ones. Anyway, I suggest the OP post a partial or whole serial number along with the manufacturer. I know one of my Savage No4's never had a date stamp anywhere and I had to look up that it was a 1943 by it's serial number block.

 

[Sharky]

Thanks all shes a 1943 had a buddy look at it closer than me faded date stamp on side we could only see a partial 1 and the 9 was only the bottom half the 4 and 3 where also fadede. Seems like it didnt get a good enough strike when marked. Again Thank you all.