Is my Longbranch unique?

[David_K]

I have a 1945 Longbranch Lee Enfield No4 Mk1* that when it was rearsenaled or whatever, the magazine that was put into it had the previous serial number crossed off with an electropencil. Then a new one was stamped on.

The thing is, it's the same number. So it's the original mag and they crossed off the old number which is still clearly visible and stamped the same one again.

 

[Vimy Ridge]

Sounds like someone had too many beers at the armoury.

 

[Matt L.]

Either or just plain old army bearucratic bs lol. Do you have any pics of it?

 

[Slyder73]

We want to SEE it.....

 

[10x]

Military intelligence is an oxymoron.

 

[David_K]

I have to buy a new camera as I lost mine at my second last range trip.

But once I do, I'll post pics of said mag.

 

[tiriaq]

Long Branch did not number magazines when rifles were made, nor when refurbished there.

 

[SID 358 NM]

Hi If Long Branch didnt # mags How is it that some early 1942,s that i see are numbered ? Thanks SID .

 

[tiriaq]

You're right. Early ones were numbered. My '41 Mk. I is. But apart from early production, magazine numbering was not standard practice.
The majority of LB rifles went into the general supply chain, and did not remain in Cdn. service. A renumbered magazine would likely be a result of a rebuild program. No doubt the policy was to strike out and apply the number of the receiver in a uniform manner, without regard for what the number on the magazine happened to be.

 

[6167]

Most of the LB Greek return rifles had the mags numbered by the Greeks...easy way to tell if you have one is the number only is stamped in to the base of the mag...they did not stamp the letter "L" just the actual numerals....weird eh?
Cheers Paul

 

[10x]

Most of the LB Greek return rifles had the mags numbered by the Greeks...easy way to tell if you have one is the number only is stamped in to the base of the mag...they did not stamp the letter "L" just the actual numerals....weird eh?
Cheers Paul

This is very likely because some mags only feed properly with some rifles or maybe some rifles only free properly with some mags.

 

[cantom]

Most of the LB Greek return rifles had the mags numbered by the Greeks...easy way to tell if you have one is the number only is stamped in to the base of the mag...they did not stamp the letter "L" just the actual numerals....weird eh?
Cheers Paul

Ha! I've had my Greek return 1949 LB for a long time and never noticed that...you're right, no L on the mag!