Looking for Serial Number Info

any response would be speculation without a few photos , we will be happy to respond if you could add some additional input ,

Thank you, from my understanding it is a No4 Mk1. I will try to add a few pictures in the morning when I’m at my computer.

attached is a pic of the serial number as I had described, hope this helps a little bit!

A lot going on here. My input - to be checked by the experts:

The "2" in the serial number may mean it was manufactured at Royal Ordnance Factory (ROF) Fazakerley, which was a government owned factory.

The "A" as a prefix or suffix to the serial number means "Not readily interchangeable with other No.4 components"

The only real reference to the "U" is it usually appears on the SMLE Bolthead (British Production) and means "Metal composition specification, likely 'Unhardened' or 'Untempered' for cast iron content. I don't think No4 are considered SMLE, but it appears common sense that the U may be applied with the same meaning.

All this comes from Skennerton's reference books.

Enjoy the rifle.

"Corruptissima re publica plurimae leges" - Tacitus
The more corrupt the state, the more it legislates

That position is about right for using a No1 Mk1 sight bracket for some kind of Aperture sight?

Its where the safety spring would be on one.

Unlike the bracket for a No1 MkIII which is like this. & can be fitted to a No4.

Don't shoot till you see the whites of their thighs. (Unofficial motto of the Royal Air Force)

Yes, now we've seen its exact location it has nothing to do with bolt heads.

U20598 is the serial; number.

Don't shoot till you see the whites of their thighs. (Unofficial motto of the Royal Air Force)

I believe the all encompassing question now is. What does the rest of the rifle look like?

Wow, thank you for all the info guys. I’m an avid gun collected/refinisher, but you guys have me beat as far as knowledge on these fine guns. The one on the left is a better picture of the entire rifle intact (it’s currently pulled apart as I am working on adding the safety, as well as refinishing the wood and overall cleaning it up). You can see that mid barrel, there is an aftermarket rear sight added in, however I’m not much of a fan on that one. This was advertised as a No4 Mk1 at auction, and the one on the right (obviously sporterized) was listed as a SHTLE III. As to the screw just forward of where the safety should be, removing that took out a piece that held the bolt from being released, which is contrary to what I’ve read as it’s usually the button just to the right of the bolt. My next goal after finishing this one up is to get one that is not sporterized, as I have come to respect these guns and their history as I’ve learned about them more and more. I’ll reassemble this weekend hopefully and can add a few more pictures.