[Lonzo]

Hey guys,
I don't know if I'm not looking in the right place here or if I have some kind of Frankenstein No4 on my hands here.
Serial number is PB261XX, dated 1944, and there are also the letters FTR on the receiver. I also see the "broad arrow" stamped on the rifle in two places...
Same serial number is on the magazine.
I received the rifle with the rear sight missing, so I don't know what it had.
Thanks for any help.

 

[limpetmine]

What is it?

Is it a Mk1 or a Mk1*?

What does the right receiver heel say, if anything?

What is on the left side of the receiver?

Need some more information......(but PB sounds like Maltby?) JR has that stuff memorized...

 

[markfh]

I got this from some other site on the serial numbers. I assume they're correct.

ROF Fazakerley

20000 - 29999
A20000 - 29999
& so on through the alphabet then AA, BA, BB, etc.


The TFR means Thorough Factory Repair.

 

[cousinkix1953]

I just lifted the bolt handle on my SMLE. The Lithgow name is right behind the knob indicating that the rifle was made in Australia...

 

[Lonzo]

More info....

Ok, it's a No4 MkI (no star)... closer inspection of the left side of the receiver says:
No4MkI (ROF) (F)
9/44 PB26100

Now for the confusing part... I cannot tell if the next set of markings were inscribed before of after the ones listed above, but it is on the same lines as those above:
No4MkI ROF (F) FTR
1944 PB26100

The metal band below the safety has the broad arrow (stamped twice, one pointing up at 12:00 and the one below the number pointing at the 10:000 position) and the numbers 26100, no letters.

I've not noted any other markings on it. I'll remove the forarm stocks and see if there are any barrel markings later tonight (have to drive up to the inlaws today.

Thanks again for any help.
Oh, and by the way, Happy Thanksgiving to all my new pals out there...
Lonzo

 

[jrhead75]

Sounds like an interesting rifle. Manufactured at ROF Fazakerley in Sept. of 1944, and totally refurbished (FTR'd) at the same place, the same year. Probably one of the very last of the wartime Faz No.4s, as the ROF was beginning No.5 production by then.

Any chance of good close up pictures of the markings?

 

[Lonzo]

I'll see what I can do. I have no idea how to post pictures to a forum, so maybe someone can point me to a tutorial on how to do that.

It's probably easier than I think... heck, this is the first forum I'm actually joined and posted to.
Thanks for all the help.

 

[Far Canal]

Click onto the little paperclip,it will allow you to open your picture file.Pic one and post it.

 

[Lonzo]

More info, and fuzzy pictures, too.

Ok, now that I've attempted to take some pictures, maybe I can post a few...
With the front half of the stock removed, I found several proof marks (little crowns with partial numbers under them, such as 37, and another with what appears to be a small bulls eye-small circle inside a larger circle, and also a six pointed star, which can almost be seen located on the right side of the barrel).
I'm not sure how these pictures will turn out, but I'll try to describe them.
On the two serial number pictures, you can almost make out the date (1944) in one, and the (FTR) in the other.
The serial number in the 2nd picture is the number below the safety. You can almost make out the arrow under the 4th digit, and another right above 4th & 5th numbers.
The last two pictures were taken when I first got the rifle... it had been in a house fire, and although it was covered in soot/dust, the only "bad" part was the tip of the barrel. The rifling inside is rather quite nice.
Sorry if the pictures are too crappy to see anything... let me know what you think.

 

[Lonzo]

and another question... or two...

As for the missing rear sight... should it be the "milled micrometer" type or the "stamped steel apature" type?
Would it be worth it to get one of those modified "Parker Hale" sights? They seem to require enlarging of the holes for the axis pin....
Just wondering...
Thanks!

 

[Timberlord]

Keep the questions coming...
The milled " Mark 1 " sight would be correct . Some of these will have the Faz " F " stamped on them as well . You'll also need the pivot pin , retaining pin , plunger and spring.
Numrich at e-gunparts.com or Springfield Sporters at ssporters.com have them.
I also see the "Ishapore screw " in the forestock which suggests Indian service .

 

[Lonzo]

Ok, stupid newby question number 77, what is an "Ishapore Screw"... and please, don't say it's something you get from an Ishapore hooker for $50...
What is it's purpose?
Thanks guys... I really appreciate all the helpful info!

 

[Lonzo]

and after doing some research...

It seems the only purpose of the "Ishapore screw" was to either repair a cracked lower forearm piece, or to keep it from cracking in the first place.... right?
Inquiring minds...
And there seems to be some question as to whether it was only used in Indian service, or "some other place"??? Lots of info out there, just wanting to make sure I know the good info from the "misleading" info...
And just so you guys know... YOU GUYS ROCK!
Thanks for putting up with me and my newby questions...

 

[car99]

It could have been used anywhere, but probably went to India or Pakistan after WWII because only they felt the need to put the screw in the forearm. A little oil with fine steel wool will help with the rust. Clean the stock as best you can without using a wood stripper, then rub in some boiled linseed oil. And welcome aboard!