Markings on a 1950 No 1 Mk3* Ishapore buttstock
- Thread starter vinver
- Start date
Got replies on Facebook that said it is the "Department of Technical Education" in India. Do Indian made rifles carry any premium/ decrease in value over a similar condition British/ Lithgow made rifle? This one is in excellent condition, what the stock marking shows reflects the general condition overall of the rifle, does not seem to be used very much.
I would have thought that the D above the pointed arrow would have stood for Defense Department as is the norm in Commonwealth made or repaired rifles, what is the (W) meant to stand for, (Workshop maybe)?
Also a quick google check finds the that the Indian Department of Technical Education did not exist during the time of this rifles manufacture in 1950, they actually referred to it from it's founding in 1945 as the -
"All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) was set-up in November 1945 as a national level Apex Advisory Body to conduct survey on the facilities on technical education and to promote development in the country in a coordinated and integrated manner. And to ensure the same, as stipulated in, the National Policy of Education (1986), AICTE be vested with statutory authority for planning, formulation and maintenance of norms and standards, quality assurance through accreditation, funding in priority areas, monitoring and evaluation, maintaining parity of certification and awards and ensuring coordinated and integrated development and management of technical education in the country."
Also a quick google check finds the that the Indian Department of Technical Education did not exist during the time of this rifles manufacture in 1950, they actually referred to it from it's founding in 1945 as the -
"All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) was set-up in November 1945 as a national level Apex Advisory Body to conduct survey on the facilities on technical education and to promote development in the country in a coordinated and integrated manner. And to ensure the same, as stipulated in, the National Policy of Education (1986), AICTE be vested with statutory authority for planning, formulation and maintenance of norms and standards, quality assurance through accreditation, funding in priority areas, monitoring and evaluation, maintaining parity of certification and awards and ensuring coordinated and integrated development and management of technical education in the country."
I don't know if the butt was so stamped on it's date of manufacture, re-furbishment or FTR, or if it has been rebuilt at any time. I'd suspect it passed through the Department , if the stamp description is accurate. I googled "Indian butt markings " too but came up with many responses nothing relating to Ishapore rifles......
I found a Indian Army web site link that said that the Indian army IEME (India Electrical & Mechanical Engineers) Corps who were the successors to the British Royal Ordnance Corps, had by 1945 -
"632 different IEME units including 12 training centres, 13 commands, 6 bases and 113 station workshops"
Nearly all of which carried out full or partial rebuilds and or repair work on their small arms.
The butt stock picture I showed above was from a Indian rebuilt SMLE, and if you look closely you can see it's original marking stamps that are blending into the wood.
"632 different IEME units including 12 training centres, 13 commands, 6 bases and 113 station workshops"
Nearly all of which carried out full or partial rebuilds and or repair work on their small arms.
The butt stock picture I showed above was from a Indian rebuilt SMLE, and if you look closely you can see it's original marking stamps that are blending into the wood.
