Well, maybe it wasn't too much of a risk. NinerMaine gave me a head's up on it from a local shop. He's good that way. $280 after taxes. Very nice Lee Enfield.
No 4 MK I*
Long Branch
1943
Matching numbers on the receiver collar and bolt handle, with sling and bayonet. All other parts appear to be Long Branch. Has the England and pressure stamps. Not sure what the knox form stamps mean, nor if the furniture cartouches denote refurbishment? Original? Two groove bore with extremely sharp rifling, and my bore pic skills stink - it's not dark as the picture suggests, bright and shiny with a bore light with no pitting, excellent crown.
A little bit of reading from some excellent threads tells me that the peep sight on a '43 is correct. And the "FR" cartouche on what appears to be age/wear matched wood means that it was issued to the French Resistance (as good a theory as the rest. Ha!). If there were field repairs needed or done, I can't see them. Maybe it was factory refurbished?? Don't know, but any commentary is welcome.
Lots of pics, and thanks for looking.
No 4 MK I*
Long Branch
1943
Matching numbers on the receiver collar and bolt handle, with sling and bayonet. All other parts appear to be Long Branch. Has the England and pressure stamps. Not sure what the knox form stamps mean, nor if the furniture cartouches denote refurbishment? Original? Two groove bore with extremely sharp rifling, and my bore pic skills stink - it's not dark as the picture suggests, bright and shiny with a bore light with no pitting, excellent crown.
A little bit of reading from some excellent threads tells me that the peep sight on a '43 is correct. And the "FR" cartouche on what appears to be age/wear matched wood means that it was issued to the French Resistance (as good a theory as the rest. Ha!). If there were field repairs needed or done, I can't see them. Maybe it was factory refurbished?? Don't know, but any commentary is welcome.
Lots of pics, and thanks for looking.