[rwoods]

Gentlemen,
Is there any significance for a Pattern 1914 to have the initials "E" and "I"
stamped near the top and bottom of the buttstock on the right side, on
either side of the brass "unit disc"? Each initial is about 1 inch tall.
(Please let me know if I should post this on a different rifle Forum)

thanks in advance for your comments and suggestions!
Ron

 

[4thGordons]

I believe the I E stamping on the right side of the buttstock is the mark for Eddystone (ERA).
It is usually within a circle with a broad arrow above it and Patt. 14 under it in my experience.
Remington used IR
Winchester used IW

 

[rwoods]

Thanks, however these letters run "E" on the top to "I" on the bottom and are stamped horizontally if you had the rifle resting on the buttstock?

They are heavily stamped, 1' high and completely separate, but on the same line as each other.

 

[TonyE]

Ron - The "I" is in fact a Roman "1" and pertains to the fact that the Rifle is a Mark IE. In British service the three different makes of Pattern '14 were considered seperate Marks.

Regards
TonyE

 

[rwoods]

Thanks TonyE,
This is very interesting, would you please explain the three makes
of the Pattern 1914 and what determined the "E 1" designation?

I really appreciate your help!
Ron

 

[bones92]

Ron, it came about as the result of minor variations between the three manufacturers. This is discussed somewhat in Allied Rifle Contracts, which I highly recommend (available at WetDog Publications).

 

[TonyE]

Ron - here is the opening part of List of Changes Paragraph 17798 that formally introduced the Pattern '14 rifle to British service.

Regards
TonyE

 

[rwoods]

Thanks so very much, Gentlemen...you are the best!
Ron

 

[Ronbo6]

The deal with the Pattern 14's was that there was no requirement in the production contracts for the P14 that the three manufacturers go to any length to assure that there would be parts interchangeability, and as a result, there wasn't.

The three 'types' were an attempt to recognize this fact and make the job of the Armorers just a little more manageable. It also factored big into the British decision to not issue these rifles to combat units in WWI. Some were used as special purpose rifles (snipers, etc), but they weren't used as general issue.

The parts interchangeability issues spilled over into the early production of 1917 rifles, as well.

 

[rwoods]

Thanks, Ronbo!
...Pattern 1914 "fever" is burning me up...!
I compete regularly in 200yd Vintage WWI and WWII Service Rifle competitions with my 1914 LSA, 1918 BSA, 1920 Lithgow No1 MkIII's and my 1949 Frazakerley...but a friend found one of these and they are just tooooo sweet!
Thank for your help and information!
All the best,
Ron

 

[bones92]

With a good bore, the Patt '14 rifle is a serious contender in any vintage service rifle match.