No4 MK1 Manufacture Date

[R.D.J.]

Hello,

Would anyone have a good resource for a Lee Enfield No4 Mk1 serial number lookup?

I've got one in my collection with what looks to be electro penciled AR8008 on the back of the bolt, and on the left wrist of the rifle. Nothing I can see on the magazine.

I also have not taken the rifle apart to see if there are any markings or stamps on the barrel.

If anyone would have any incite as to where and when this rifle was made, I'd greatly appreciate it.

OR if you know where I could look up such information. Ive searched, but cant seem to find anything that quite matches this.

Thank you kindly!

 

[Snider shooter]

What’s on the left side. Normally manufacture and date. May be faint electro pencil markings.

 

[kjohn]

As Snider says, on the left side of the receiver is where the serial number should be, should being the key word. Some of the first No.4’s took a beating and may have sustained enough damage that the serial number was illegible on the receiver. The number given doesn’t seem to fit in any lists I have.

Somebody will come up with the answer.

 

[R.D.J.]

OK, so I managed to have another look at this rifle. My old eyes are definitely doing me a disservice.

I also read on the wrist, "M47" stamped into the wrist above the AR8008 serial number, but just above that, is a very faint M1947 stamped as well. VERY hard to see.

Between that, and the AR8008 serial number is a VERY faint "1943" all on its own.

I suppose I might assume the year is 1943, but it may have seen an arsenal overhaul in 1947?

Again, sorry for not being thorough with the inspection. I have a really hard time seeing things in detail this small.

All I can see on the left side of the receiver is "No.4 Mk1"

Thank you!

 

[Snider shooter]

That’s why I have a magnifying glass or enlarge on my phone. Can you post pictures?

 

[kjohn]

The rifle was originally built in England, but the serial number being stamped on the wrist might indicate it was re-issued from the Allahabad armoury in India. I have one, a No.4 Mk1*, that has the serial stamped on the left wrist, serial AL3089. Is is a Savage-Stevens built 1943.

 

[maple_leaf_eh]

The elegance of the No.4 production system is there is one No. and a well defined set of marks or models, Mk. I, I*, 1/2, 1/3 and 2. There were only five plants assembling No.4s - Long Branch in Toronto; Savage in Chicopee Fall, Massachusetts; Royal Ordnance Factories in Fazackerly, Maltby, and Shirley, otherwise known as Birmingham Small Arms. Mk 2s were also made in Pakistan, and have distinctive features all their own.

AR8008 is not on the list of serial numbers in Chip Stratton's book on No.4 and No.5 rifles. AP would be a 1943 Maltby. An ordinary run of the mill British No.4. The serializing was less dogmatic in UK production than in North America.

 

[maple_leaf_eh]

The rifle was originally built in England, but the serial number being stamped on the wrist might indicate it was re-issued from the Allahabad armoury in India. I have one, a No.4 Mk1*, that has the serial stamped on the left wrist, serial AL3089. Is is a Savage-Stevens built 1943.

For a US Property marked No. 4 Mk I* the letter code would be C not L.

 

[maple_leaf_eh]

M47 is the giveaway! It is a BSA Shirley.

 

[kjohn]

For a US Property marked No. 4 Mk I* the letter code would be C not L.

Mine is a re-issued rifle, re-serialed out of the Allahabad armoury, thus the AL3089.

 

[kjohn]

Pictures. We need pictures.

Also, is it a No.4 Mk 1 or Mk1*?

 

[R.D.J.]

Here are some pictures. Not the best quality I know, but I hope something is of value to somebody.

Thank you kindly!

 

[cosmic]

The rifle is a No 4 Mk1, made in 1943 at BSA . What happened after that can be anybodies guess, given that its 80 years old. Hows the bore?

 

[R.D.J.]

Thank you very much.

No kidding on the 80 year old end of things. If only it could talk.

The bore looks really nice and shiny on this rifle. Just going by the bolt mechanism, barrel, magazine, and receiver, I don't believe this rifle was shot very much. Now, not shot since original, or since refurbishment is anyone's guess.

The wood tells a different story. Its rugged roughness doesn't match the steel parts. Go Figure.