I really need some good input from you knowledgeable types. I've always been impressed by the astounding wealth of accumulated information on this site, and I really need some help on this little mystery Long Branch.
I just picked it up today from the post office, got it home, and in the company of a pretty knowledgeable guy, we picked it apart. The receiver is phosphated and marked Long Branch MK.I*. Nothing unusual there. Some mis-matched parts (ie: a Savage forward barrel band, English mag) but the barrel is English and blued 5 groove rifling with British proof marks near the muzzle and "I*" on the knoxform. Here's where it gets really funky! The serial number on the action and bolt match, and the number size and style is an exact match to my 1950 Long Branch #4. BUT the serial numbering system doesn't conform to what I know of Long Branch. Whereas Long Branch normally has a number, an "L", and the other digits (ie 6L12345) this one is marked L 0315 (see pic) on the wrist and the bolt. Above the number on the wrist it says "GERD" (the "D" is badly struck and could be a 10) and under the serial number is a single number 9. The safety is Long Branch, but blued instead of phosphated.
On the lower stock just ahead of the magazine are the following marks "KB" and just ahead of that up the stock is "9X". At the end are the LB and C broad arrow typical to Long Branch.
My buddy has dismissed it as a "parts" rifle that someone has put together and is of the opinion that I got screwed on the deal. At this time, I won't put down what I think, but I'm of the opinion that he's dismissed it too lightly and hastily. I think the work was professionally done, and the oddball serial numbering system may be able to help someone out there in determining what I've got my hands on. I have a sneaky suspicion that if this rifle could talk, there would be an interesting tale indeed. Though I appreciate opinions and speculation, I would really prefer solid factual information. Thank you in advance guys.
I just picked it up today from the post office, got it home, and in the company of a pretty knowledgeable guy, we picked it apart. The receiver is phosphated and marked Long Branch MK.I*. Nothing unusual there. Some mis-matched parts (ie: a Savage forward barrel band, English mag) but the barrel is English and blued 5 groove rifling with British proof marks near the muzzle and "I*" on the knoxform. Here's where it gets really funky! The serial number on the action and bolt match, and the number size and style is an exact match to my 1950 Long Branch #4. BUT the serial numbering system doesn't conform to what I know of Long Branch. Whereas Long Branch normally has a number, an "L", and the other digits (ie 6L12345) this one is marked L 0315 (see pic) on the wrist and the bolt. Above the number on the wrist it says "GERD" (the "D" is badly struck and could be a 10) and under the serial number is a single number 9. The safety is Long Branch, but blued instead of phosphated.
On the lower stock just ahead of the magazine are the following marks "KB" and just ahead of that up the stock is "9X". At the end are the LB and C broad arrow typical to Long Branch.
My buddy has dismissed it as a "parts" rifle that someone has put together and is of the opinion that I got screwed on the deal. At this time, I won't put down what I think, but I'm of the opinion that he's dismissed it too lightly and hastily. I think the work was professionally done, and the oddball serial numbering system may be able to help someone out there in determining what I've got my hands on. I have a sneaky suspicion that if this rifle could talk, there would be an interesting tale indeed. Though I appreciate opinions and speculation, I would really prefer solid factual information. Thank you in advance guys.
