I posted this last year but forgot to ask about when these were assembled. This is a #4 Mk1* that was assembled at Long Branch. The date on the receiver is 1945 and there is no assigned serial number on the socket of this rifle. It is full military with a beautiful walnut stock, 5 land barrel and all LB parts. Apparently there were a number of them assembled this way from what I gather. There is a serial number on it now- a letter and number put there by a person who wanted to register it and keep it legal. Does anyone know when LB assembled these rifles and for whom? What would you think its value is giving it to be VG to near excellent. Cheers.
Interesting #4 Mk1*
- Thread starter LocknLoad
- Start date
I've seen pics and mention of a few non numbered LB rifles on this forum. I'd think the value would be about the same as any other LB rifle in good shape, although no factory s/n would be a factor for some collectors.
I have one of these also, a 1944 Number 4 with a British-type safety and absolutely the loveliest wood I have ever seen on a military rifle. Deep blue finish, just superb. Mint, unfired, not a number on it anywhere.
I would have thought that in 1944 the security at the factory, not to mention normal factory procedures, would have been such as to preclude the possibility of somebody making up a commercial-grade rifle and just walking out of the plant with it. I have been told that this is anything from an exhibition rifle to one used in War Bond drives, to a pre-prodyction British contract rifle to... well, you get it.
Most common is the "lunch-bucket rifle" theory... but it must have taken one heck of a lunch-bucket to get the barreled Body and woodwork out of the plant!
So I have a brand-new rifle.... and don't know a thing about it!
I would have thought that in 1944 the security at the factory, not to mention normal factory procedures, would have been such as to preclude the possibility of somebody making up a commercial-grade rifle and just walking out of the plant with it. I have been told that this is anything from an exhibition rifle to one used in War Bond drives, to a pre-prodyction British contract rifle to... well, you get it.
Most common is the "lunch-bucket rifle" theory... but it must have taken one heck of a lunch-bucket to get the barreled Body and woodwork out of the plant!
So I have a brand-new rifle.... and don't know a thing about it!
actions were giver to 1's and 2 line armourours as replacment parts, unserialed. when one was broken they would replace it. stamp on the new number, throw the old one in the rubish. it is my understanding that this was common practice.
I, too, have one of these "no serial number" jobs. I've got it marked as a Longbranch, but I don't exactly recall how I determined that. There are little stampings here and there. "39" shows up on the fore and butt stocks and on the bridge, just behind the stripper clip guide. "F" over "47" shows on the cocking piece.
If anyone is interested, I might be able to post some pics.
What indicates that it is an LB?
If anyone is interested, I might be able to post some pics.
What indicates that it is an LB?
It says Long Branch No 4 Mk I* and the year on the left receiver sidewall.
I sort of thought that these #4's were left overs and were assembled for shooters in the DCRA and provincal rifle associations. This one came from a person in the Nova Scotia Rifle Association and was lightly used then he changed over to something else.
I say old chap...it's from across the pond...
By George, you may be right! There is a GR/crown in a couple of places. There are also a couple of C broad arrow stampings.
Maybe it was Chruchill's personal rifle, which he gave to Canada after the war?
Smellie, better get in here!
Well, you'd better post some pics. Sounds like a No 1 Mk III to me.
Lee Enfield
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Republic of Alberta
Here's mine. Sorry, a little fuzzy.... sort like me!
Your rifle is a Fazakerley, This can be determined by the relief cut on the left side, but the true indicator is the straight sidewall angle only found on Fazakerlies and post 1943 Long Branches.
If you wet the receiver with oil and change the angle toward the light you will almost certainly see the original manufacturers and possibly the serial number e-pen engraved on the left side wall of the receiver.
