Ross rifle m-10 help needed deciphering markings

[bros]

I really have no knowledge when it comes to Ross Rifles nor do I own any books on the subject!

I would like to know "if it's possible" could somebody tell me which regiment this rifle was issued to based on the stampings on the butt stock. I tried as best to get decent photos but lets face it if any Ross saw trench time it certainly looks like this one did and the markings are not real crisp anymore. To my surprise the bore is still quite decent.

On the barrel by the breech it looks like someone hand engraved a few letters there as well there is another number that looks quite crudely stamped.

On the right side of the barrel underneath the "NITRO PROVED" stamp there is a tiny inscription stamped "NOT ENGLISH MAKE", anyone have an idea when and why that was applied? Could it be when it was released from service and sold on the civilian market?

I need to source out a screw for the front barrel band.

Given the condition and whatever else factors in, what would a ballpark figure on the value be?

Thanks

 

[LawrenceN]

On the Milsurps.com (joining is free) there's a whole forum dedicated to just the Ross rifles. If you put your inquiry and pictures there as well as here you should get a wealth of responses.

 

[B_noser]

I am quite sure the "Nitro Proved" and "Not English Make" would have been applied when the rifle was sold out of service in England.
Although it has been crudely applied, "PLY" is generally accepted to indicate the rifle was assigned to the Plymouth Naval Yard in England.
The "L(C)" on the barrel indicates it has a factory enlarged chamber.
An "N" stamp generally indicates Naval service.
The # ahead of the buttplate heel would likely be a rack number.
The "III" is the model number.
The "30/1915" is the serial # and year of production.
The markings to the left of "III" should be the Ross Rifle Company roundel and there appears to have been something stamped over it.
We have some very knowledgeable Ross collectors on this forum and I am sure someone will offer corrections, if needed.

 

[tiriaq]

^^^

Yes.

It would have been a Cdn 1st Division rifle turned over to the RN when Cdn troops were issued SMLE rifles. I can't see anything that jumps out as a Cdn. unit mark.

 

[bros]

Appreciate the info fellows.....

I'm hesitant to go to other sites and post, especially pictures.....I find posting pictures on Gun Nutz relatively easy for a mostly computer illiterate person such as myself and I find ample knowledge on this site to answer most of my questions but thanks for the suggestion.

 

[bros]

Any thoughts on what the value of this old warhorse might be?

 

[maple_leaf_eh]

It has all the metal parts out to the muzzle and the original length of stock. Just those alone are something a rebuilder would snap up. But it is a Ross Mk III with plenty of character markings. Someone will take it off your hands for a price that hurts both parties equally.

Go to Switzer's Auction company site and search for Ross sales. Those are auction prices, and as such tend to be testosterone races. And then the seller and buyer have to pay the auctioneer. Don't let get freaked out by the big number. Yours is probably 75 or 80% of whatever that sold for.

 

[bros]

Yeah hard to com

It has all the metal parts out to the muzzle and the original length of stock. Just those alone are something a rebuilder would snap up. But it is a Ross Mk III with plenty of character markings. Someone will take it off your hands for a price that hurts both parties equally.

Go to Switzer's Auction company site and search for Ross sales. Those are auction prices, and as such tend to be testosterone races. And then the seller and buyer have to pay the auctioneer. Don't let get freaked out by the big number. Yours is probably 75 or 80% of whatever that sold for.

Well if it was purely based on condition then I would say it's not worth much as this rifle has seen heavy use and it shows.
We know in collecting, condition is generally the foremost factor in adding value, while that being said that rule does not always entirely apply. In this case (and largely based on my ignorance) I wanted to show the details of this particular rifle to find if there was something unique and not that's its greatly important but I was just looking for a ballpark value. As you said I'll try and do some "on-line" homework.

 

[tiriaq]

These days an intact Mk. III Ross at auction is going to go for a grand or more.