Proper butt plate for 1916 BSA SMLE No.1 Mk III?

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Hi,

Right now my BSA is wearing a steel butt plate with opening on it. I've seen SMLE's with brass and steel butt plates but I am not sure if the ones with steel have just been mingled with No.4 parts?

If I want my BSA to be as "correct" as possible should it have a brass butt plate?


Thanks...
 
And the No4 plate is a different size too, so if the plate fits well on the buttstock maybe you also have a No4 buttstock on your No1Mk3 rifle?
 
I don't think No1Mk3's had anything but brass butt plates...

I have a replacement MKIII stock with a steel plate on it. I suspect it's a very late manufacture stock though. Every WWI issue one I've ever seen was brass. Both my 1917 Lithgows came with brass plates.
 
"...with brass and steel..." Brass and a nickle or zinc alloy as I recall. Brass wasn't as expensive in the early 20th Century. Made the RSM's a lot happier too. Let 'em yell at the troopies for not having their butt's polished. snicker.
 
During WW1 there was a steel butt plate with a brass trap, my 1918 SSA has one fitted.
I was sure i've pics somewhere, if i can find it i will post it otherwise will take new ones.
 
4bbm.jpg
 
I've been trying to find a thread from another forum where this type of butt plate was discussed but no luck.
IIRC there was mention of them being common on Peddeled scheme MkIII*s, which fits as i have 2 & both on 1918 SSA MkIII*s
 
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