Lend-Lease Savage Enfield ?

[Steve1987]

Hi,

I picked up this Savage Enfield a few weeks ago.

Taking a closer look I'm starting to wonder if there's more history behind this one than the typical surplus Savage Enfields we see in Canada.

Some of the parts are marked with C Broad arrows, I'm assuming this is from early production before Savage was completely up and running?

This Savage also has British proofs, does this mean it was actually sent overseas for lend-lease? Or are these the proofs from early production when the British had inspectors at the Savage plant?

Overall the rifle is in excellent shape, I don't see any signs that indicate parts have been replaced. Matching numbers on bolt and receiver. Hopefully someone can fill me in a little more on this one.

C Broad Arrows:

C Broad Arrow, BNP, USP:

BNP close up:

Thanks again guys for all the help in my threads.

Cheers,
-Steve

 

[AdrianM]

C Broad Arrow, BNP, USP:

See the stamp to the right of the C broad arrow on the bolt head? That's an Long Branch symbol. Since the bolt appears to match, I would say it's had the bolt head replaced. Might be a good idea to check the headspace just in case.

Sure is in good shape.

*After a second look it appears that there may be the same symbol stamped on the trigger guard, so it's had some parts swapped on. The 'ears' that protect the front sight also looks like it may have been replaced. The finish doesn't have a mark on it and it normally is the first thing to get marked up.

 

[Recce21]

Why the heck can't I find nice LE's? I only run across sportered or beat up ones

 

[Andurp]

Can't say I can help you too much with the markings, but my guess would be that the parts are mismatched.

With that said, damn is she in good shape. If it's never been refinished or anything, you have a fine rifle on your hands, mismatched or not.

 

[Steve1987]

Can't say I can help you too much with the markings, but my guess would be that the parts are mismatched.

With that said, damn is she in good shape. If it's never been refinished or anything, you have a fine rifle on your hands, mismatched or not.

It shoots great! I'm also not sure if it's mismatched or early production? Maybe some other Savage owners can determine if the bolt is properly numbered to the gun?

Still trying to figure out the British proof.

-Steve

 

[del3840]

I think yours would be lend lease-no US bomb stamp? and BNP is i believe British Nitro proof mark(for smokeless powder), have one to,looks to be later model, thought maybe Savage gave/sold leftover parts to Long branch at wars end and they finished assembly of my rifle. Was told one marking on mine was Pacific Rangers. Also was told mine had been shipped to England for home guard/occupation forces and was returned to Canada unissued, then sold off as surplus...there a guy in the states collecting serial numbers and info, will pm his contact if i find it,,story's, so much fun!!!

 

[Steve1987]

Thanks for posting pics of yours.

Mine does have the U.S. flaming bomb stamp, like yours.

-Steve

 

[del3840]

here is the web site http://forums.gunboards.com/showthread.php?735-Survey-of-Savage-4-serial-number-ranges

 

[tiriaq]

60C is not early production. That is the 604,944th rifle of something over a million made between the late summer of 1941, and the summer of 1944.
Sometimes LB parts turn up on Savage rifles. Savage and SAL did talk to each other.
I would have expected birch stocks, not nice walnut pieces. Any LB marks on the wood?
How many parts have Savage square S marks?

 

[desporterizer]

With the walnut & c broad arrow I would say refurb.

 

[Steve1987]

With the walnut & c broad arrow I would say refurb.

You could be onto something there. Perhaps Lend-leased to Britian (BNP stamp) and later re-furbed by Canada at Long Branch? Could explain the Lb stamps as well. Can it be confirmed this was Canadian issue?

Thanks for all your patience.
-Steve

 

[desporterizer]

You could be onto something there. Re-furbed by who though? Lend-leased to Britian (BNP stamp) and later re-furbed by Canada?

Thanks for all your patience.
-Steve

That would be my guess but i am more of a mosin man.

 

[Steve1987]

I noticed traces of cosmoline in many of the parts, must also be from being re-furbed. I would be happy if it can be confirmed this was a Canadian issue Savage.

-Steve

 

[nelly]

Am I wrong in believing that Savage and LongBranch often traded parts, throughout the war?

I could have sworn I read that.... somewhere?

 

[buffdog]

Am I wrong in believing that Savage and LongBranch often traded parts, throughout the war?

I could have sworn I read that.... somewhere?

No, you are not wrong. Savage and Long Branch used parts made by each other when making the Number 4 rifles.
.

 

[tiriaq]

No, you are not wrong. Savage and Long Branch used parts made by each other when making the Number 4 rifles.
.

This rifle has lots of parts from both LB and Savage.
Probably a rebuild, but who knows where, when or by whom.

 

[gerardjohnson]

I also read that Savage & Long Branch often supplied parts to each other when some part inventory was low.

 

[bigedp51]

Large batches of Enfields were sent to Greece and then returned through Britain to Canada. Brian #### http://www.bdlltd.com/ here in the US sold many of these Savages and Long Branch Enfields that were unissued and returned from Greece.

Since Canada did not mark overhauled rifles with the FTR markings it leaves many questions and few answers.