[retiredengine31a]

Hello: I have a Winchester P-14 in original .303 cal. There are no markings other than British on it. It has an excellent bore with no corrosion or pitting and is very accurate. There is an import mark on the underside of the barrel that is so small and faint that it can barely be made out. The bolt is E marked at the root and the swivels are E marked also. This is due I'm sure because it's in an Eddystone stock. The serial # is W109264
My research tells me it was made in 1916. What do you think??
I would like to trade my Eddystone bolt and stock for a Winchester bolt and stock. I have a matching P-17; also Winchester and I would like to put these together in as original condition as I can for my son to have some day. I have the correct W ( one Large W and one Small W ) marked bayonets for these and scabbards Any help in dateing this rifle would be appreciated. Thank You, Chuck

I've added more pictures taken of the marks on the knox form and barrel shank.
I want to THANK all of the responders for the great information and advise. Thanks Again, Chuck

 

[John Sukey In Memoriam]

If it's any help, the first Winchester rifles accepted by the British were in February 1916 so your date should be correct.

Now keep in mind that prior to the 2nd go round with the germans, Most P14's went through the Weedon repair centre and the British had lots of parts left over from WW1. The idea was to turn out serviceable rifles without worrying about who made them. The soldier who was issued the rifle certainly didn't complain about "non-matching parts" as long as it could put round holes in square heads

 

[retiredengine31a]

John: Thank You. You have confirmed what I thought to be true. I agree. As long as it went "bang" when you pulled the trigger was primary. This will give me something to work towards. ( trying to resurrect an "old warhorse" ) Thanks Again, Chuck

 

[LVSteve]

There is another thread somewhere on here that stated Winchester were short of stocks for their rifles and that ERA items were the substitute.

Of course, just to be different, my ERA is in a Winchester stock. One day that stock will be put on my Winchester that currently lodges in M1917 wood.

 

[NewbieDAN]

Can I ask what method you used to white your serial numbers?

 

[retiredengine31a]

Thank You for the info.. I'll keep looking for a Winchester set. Thanks Again, Chuck

 

[retiredengine31a]

DAN: It's a crayon type material. Rub it into the numbers or letters and wipe off the excess with a alcohal soaked rag. it takes two or three applications. don't try and fill the voids all at one time. Send me your address and I'll send you a stick. i have two and I only need one. this stuff lasts forever and there is enough to do 100 or so firearms in one stick. Take Care, Chuck

 

[Ronbo6]

Can I ask what method you used to white your serial numbers?

I use flat white (Testor's) enamel model airplane paint and a brush from the local hobby store.

Apply the paint (you don't need to be real neat), wait maybe 15-20 minutes and wipe off the excess paint with a rag damp with mineral spirits before it dries completely. Repeat until complete.

It takes a bit of a touch to do this, but it is easily learned.


There should be a number on the barrel reinforce under the handguard that will tell you the manufacture date on the barrel. My P14 is W232460 and the barrel is 1916, so it is a prety safe bet yours will be 1916 as well

 

[TonyE]

Since Pattern '14 rifles were only ever made in 1916 and 1917 you are never going to be far out with the date, however W109264 was accepted by British inspectors at the factory during week ending 27th January 1917. Up to the end of December 1917 only 85,000 rifles had been accepted.

W232460 was probably accepted w/e 16th June 1917. If the barrel is dated 1916 then it suggests barrel production was ahead of rifle assembly by some way.

The usual caveat applies that these are acceptance dates. Manufacture may have been a week or so before as we do not know how far (if at all) inspection and acceptance was behind production.

Regards
TonyE

 

[retiredengine31a]

TonyE: Thank You. My barrel doesn't have a date that I can see. There seems to be a mark of some sort that is hidden by the front sight base. Does this mean anything/ Thanks for the information. Chuck

 

[bones92]

Chuck, I recommend a copy of Allied Rifle Contracts, as they go through the Patt '14 in detail.

 

[retiredengine31a]

bones92; Thanks, Bud. I'm just trying to get as much info. as I can so that when I pack this away for storage, I'll be able to add some paper work too. It's going to be some time before my son can get back into the firearms collecting; but, someday.
Thanks Again, Chuck