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Looking for Serial Number Info

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CJDriver View Drop Down
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    Posted: May 18 2021 at 11:05am
Good morning everyone, 

Looking for info on an Enfield I just bought, I got it at an auction last week and thought I’d try to learn a little bit about these unique guns. I have this one with serial number showing: 20958 with a “U” to the upper left, and an “A” in the upper right. Any idea as to where I could find more info on this rifle? 

Thank you!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote A square 10 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 19 2021 at 6:24pm
any response would be speculation without a few photos , we will be happy to respond if you could add some additional input , 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Goosic Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 19 2021 at 7:04pm
 The main question will be. Is it a No1Mk111/* or is it a No4Mk1 Enfield?

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote CJDriver Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 19 2021 at 11:45pm
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. 

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Shamu Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 20 2021 at 7:55am
"U" may be either a letter prefix to the digits or mean "malleable cast Iron" is the material for the bolt head. "A" suffix usually means a non standard part, or parts fitted somewhere.
Cant tell you more without more info.
Don't shoot till you see the whites of their thighs. (Unofficial motto of the Royal Air Force)
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote CJDriver Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 20 2021 at 10:43am
attached is a pic of the serial number as I had described, hope this helps a little bit!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Goosic Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 20 2021 at 3:23pm
A Fazackerly made No4Mk1 that has been sporterized from the looks of the missing rear sight ears...
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AussieShooter Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 20 2021 at 3:53pm
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.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote britrifles Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 20 2021 at 5:47pm
safety is missing, the rear sight ears ground off.  I don’t recognize the screw just forward of the safety axis lever. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Shamu Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 21 2021 at 8:56am
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)
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Zed Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 21 2021 at 11:13am
I think the "U" is the prefix of the serial number and the "A" suffix is stamped on rifles that had a part or parts  that required hand fitting during production. 
This "A" stamp is to inform Armourer's to be aware when repairing the rifle that standard spare parts may require some work to fit.


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Shamu Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 21 2021 at 11:22am
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)
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AussieShooter Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 21 2021 at 11:22am
Originally posted by Zed Zed wrote:

I think the "U" is the prefix of the serial number and the "A" suffix is stamped on rifles that had a part or parts  that required hand fitting during production. 
This "A" stamp is to inform Armourer's to be aware when repairing the rifle that standard spare parts may require some work to fit.


This is a much better description in plain english.  Thanks Zed!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Goosic Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 21 2021 at 11:24am
I believe the all encompassing question now is. What does the rest of the rifle look like?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote A square 10 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 21 2021 at 9:41pm
that was what i was wondering as well , i hope those hotos are coming soon , 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote CJDriver Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 21 2021 at 10:41pm
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. 
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