Vintage of 303 British
- Thread starter DMT
- Start date
- Location
- Western Manitoba
That's a Savage receiver with a Long Branch safety. Savage made these rifles on contract for England. As I understand it, only during 1942-ish to 1944 -ish. People with proper reference material can tell you exact date of manufacture from the serial number. Because there are no "FTR" markings on the left side, and assuming there are no English proof marks on the knox or the muzzle area, then this could very well be one of the rifles made up of Savage and Longbranch parts by Longbranch factory after they received all the leftover Savage made parts.
The "U.S. Property" marking was placed on the receivers made at Savage as they were manufactured for Lend-Lease to Commonwealth forces. The marking ensured, legally, that what the US was providing (or lending) the British was theirs to lend. I have seen some rifles that had the marking ground out, which according to some sources, was done at the unit level by commanders who did not like to see it on rifles in British hands. Most, however, seemed to have remained intact.
On visits to the savage plant I saw a big sign about their wartime production. I seem to recall they made a million #4 rifles. I was told the C in the serial number was for their location Chicopee Falls, where they had a factory complex.
Savage Arms was named by Arthur Savage, the Jamaican who founded the company. The Indian head logo came about because a of a deal made with a local Indian band who was buying Savage rifles. The Chief offered his face as a logo.
Savage Arms was named by Arthur Savage, the Jamaican who founded the company. The Indian head logo came about because a of a deal made with a local Indian band who was buying Savage rifles. The Chief offered his face as a logo.
Thanks for these responses. I spent some time cleaning it today and as a result found more markings. Firstly, the bolt has the same serial number as the receiver, so was happy about that. On the bottom of the receiver was some markings shown in the first photo. On the bottom metal there was another Longbranch marking. On the insider of the butt stock as the number "F51" and something else. Nearby the trigger was another marking shown on the last photo but don't know if it is a marking or a dent from manufacturing. Lastly there was another "C" on the received by the bolt. Interesting stuff.
Thanks again for the responses. I looked at other No. 4 Mk 1* on the internet, and it looks like this one has been "sporterized" as the others had wood almost all the way to the muzzle, on both the top and bottom of the barrel. I guess the good news is that the bolt and action have the same serial numbers, but the magazine has a different number. Any idea as to its worth, as I probably won't keep it now knowing it isn't that historically accurate?
Thanks again for the responses. I looked at other No. 4 Mk 1* on the internet, and it looks like this one has been "sporterized" as the others had wood almost all the way to the muzzle, on both the top and bottom of the barrel. I guess the good news is that the bolt and action have the same serial numbers, but the magazine has a different number. Any idea as to its worth, as I probably won't keep it now knowing it isn't that historically accurate?
Nailing a price down is always a difficult task. It is worth what someone is willing to pay for it. That being said, a ballpark figure for a matching sporterized No4 ranges from $150 to $200 depending on bore condition. Although I have seen some sell for much more and others for less. A full wood one can be found for as low as $500 if you are patient just to give you an idea.
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- Location
- Blaster land, Okanagan BC
I'd say $100-150 depending on overal bore condition, I just picked up a No4 mk1 LB without a mag or front sight protector for $80. If it had a mag I would've been fine with $150 max since the bore was nice.
