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Identifying and Value of My Enfield No.4 MK1/2?

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Topic: Identifying and Value of My Enfield No.4 MK1/2?
Posted By: aalbert1
Subject: Identifying and Value of My Enfield No.4 MK1/2?
Date Posted: October 18 2024 at 9:35am
Hey all,

I recently picked up a lee enfield mk1/2 from a local here who has had it for 10 years as well as 100 rounds of british .303 . I am looking to get more information on it since I unfortunately wont be keeping this one in my collection as I need to move it for another k98. I am a Mauser guy so Lee Enfields are out of my scope of knowledge (for now!, I have my Sten mk3 to pair with it and plan on getting another lee enfield someday.). Based on research this is a war time issue No.4 Mk1 that was FTR in 1949 and then it had the green rust prevention spray on it. I am not too sure from there so I took pictures of every stamped marking and markings on the stock. I do know its non import marked. 

If anyone could break down and identify all the markings on it as well as what the value of the rifle is id appreciate it! It was a super fun rifle to shoot and really accurate! 
















Replies:
Posted By: britrifles
Date Posted: October 20 2024 at 6:37am
It appears to be a 1941 No. 4 Mk I produced at ROF Maltby based on the serial number. Although 1941 seems a bit early for the “AX” prefix.  Maltby rifle serial numbers begin with 1, Fazakerley a 2 and BSA Shirley a 3. 

The rifle was then FTR’d (Factory Thorough Repair) in 1949 at ROF (F) Fazakerley which consisted of the upgrade to the Mk 2 hung trigger and usually a new stock set and new barrel. This changed the rifle designation to No. 4 Mk I/2.  These conversions usually resulted in a mix of parts (new and used) from different manufacturers to reassemble the rifle. New Faz made five groove barrels were typically installed. 

The markings on the barrel at the muzzle were required as part of the sold out of service scheme (1954 Proof Laws). The rifle was proofed at the Birmingham proof house to fire a standard load of 18.5 Tons per square inch breech pressure.  2.222” is the max cartridge case length and the bore is .303 inch. 

Is there a stamped serial number on the bottom of the forend between the front band and sling swivel band?  Does the serial number on the back of the bolt handle match that of the rifle?

As to value, perhaps $700-$800, but you can search online to see what a No. 4 is selling for currently.  The No. 4 Mk I/2 and I/3 conversions are quite common in the US. 




Posted By: paddyofurniture
Date Posted: October 20 2024 at 8:02am
I see non conversations ones more in North Carolina.

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Always looking for military manuals, Dodge M37 items,books on Berlin Germany, old atlases ( before 1946) , military maps of Scotland. English and Canadian gun parts.


Posted By: aalbert1
Date Posted: October 20 2024 at 10:11am
Thank you! I do know kinda the price of the No.4 MK1 non converted but I wasnt sure on the price of mk1/2s.


Posted By: aalbert1
Date Posted: October 20 2024 at 10:28am
Originally posted by paddyofurniture paddyofurniture wrote:

I see non conversations ones more in North Carolina.

I will take a look at the forend and see if their is a marking. 


Posted By: britrifles
Date Posted: October 20 2024 at 12:21pm
Originally posted by aalbert1 aalbert1 wrote:

Thank you! I do know kinda the price of the No.4 MK1 non converted but I wasnt sure on the price of mk1/2s.

They all fetch about the same.  Plenty of Mk I/2 and I/3 here in the US. The ones that fetch a premium are the Mk 2 rifles still in the wrap. And Mk I(T)s of course. 

As a shooter, I prefer the Mk I/2 or Mk I/3 over an original Mk I or Mk I* because the conversions generally have a better barrel and not a lot of use. 




Posted By: paddyofurniture
Date Posted: October 20 2024 at 12:54pm
I will have to look for one.

Thanks!


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Always looking for military manuals, Dodge M37 items,books on Berlin Germany, old atlases ( before 1946) , military maps of Scotland. English and Canadian gun parts.


Posted By: A square 10
Date Posted: October 20 2024 at 6:42pm
looks a nice rifle to me but ive been out of the buy/sell so long anything i added would be worthless , 


Posted By: aalbert1
Date Posted: October 21 2024 at 1:03pm
Thanks everyone for the help! Ill still get that one picture on the forend marking. 


Posted By: britrifles
Date Posted: October 21 2024 at 2:29pm
Also check the serial number on the back of the bolt handle. Does it match the serial number on the action body? That’s important for knowing the bolt has been properly fitted to the action. 




Posted By: paddyofurniture
Date Posted: October 21 2024 at 3:02pm
If the bolt does match the action I walk.

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Always looking for military manuals, Dodge M37 items,books on Berlin Germany, old atlases ( before 1946) , military maps of Scotland. English and Canadian gun parts.


Posted By: aalbert1
Date Posted: October 21 2024 at 3:17pm
Ill have to take a look once I get home this week. I shot it 10 times and I had 0 issues with it. Not sure if i can link youtube videos here but she shot great. Im not sure if its the matching bolt Is that common for ftr enfields? i would figure since its a mishmash of parts it wouldnt be the matching bolt.


Posted By: shiloh
Date Posted: October 21 2024 at 3:45pm
Here in Canada, a complete matching No4 will fetch over a $1000. Pre covid/firearms ban(04/2020), they were $500-$700.
Prices are creeping up quickly here.


Posted By: Honkytonk
Date Posted: October 21 2024 at 4:21pm
I have noticed lately No.4's are staying pretty steady at the $1000'ish price Shiloh mentioned. No.1's are around $1500.


Posted By: shiloh
Date Posted: October 21 2024 at 4:31pm
Originally posted by Honkytonk Honkytonk wrote:

I have noticed lately No.4's are staying pretty steady at the $1000'ish price Shiloh mentioned. No.1's are around $1500.


Ya its hard to stay in the collecting hobby at todays prices. I`ve been on the look out for a nice 1939/40 or 41 BSA No3, when I find one the prices are insane.


Posted By: Enfield trader
Date Posted: October 21 2024 at 6:10pm
In my area that would be a $500 maybe $550 rifle. 


Posted By: Sapper740
Date Posted: October 22 2024 at 4:48am
Originally posted by Enfield trader Enfield trader wrote:

In my area that would be a $500 maybe $550 rifle. 

^^This^^  Something that greatly affects value of any milsurp rifle is condition.  I always look for the absolute best in condition of the rifles I buy and am willing to pay a premium for same.  Conversely, if a rifle has had hard service and shows it, I discount its value.  I bought a well used BSA No.4 MkI to carry in reenactments knowing it was going to get knocked around for $350.  At the same time (about 4 years ago) I bought a Long Branch in very good to excellent condition for $850.  The OP's rifle looks like it has seen some hard service so where I live Enfield Trader's valuation is spot on.


Posted By: MelonHead
Date Posted: November 28 2024 at 7:42am
Was a 303 that's been refurbished used for military service?


Posted By: Zed
Date Posted: November 28 2024 at 1:04pm
They would have been refurbished for military service; but I believe not all would have seen service.



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It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice!


Posted By: britrifles
Date Posted: November 28 2024 at 1:18pm
Many of the Mk I/2 and I/3 rifles saw little use. Many were put up in stores. Those that were issued were mostly used in training, they tended to get “over cleaned” and may have pull thru chord wear at the muzzle.  By the time these programs were completed, the FN SLR 7.62 was entering Service. 

I’ve got three of them, one had pretty bad pull thru cord wear. 


Posted By: Shamu
Date Posted: November 28 2024 at 3:14pm
You say you got a bunch of .303 British & fired some of them.
You should IMMEDIATELY clean for corrosive ammunition!
Evil Smile
Basically pour a bunch of scalding hot water down the bore then clean thoroughly as you normally would. Include the bolt, bolt face & magazine. Oil thoroughly right after cleaning.

That erosive Cordite & corrosive primer combination can eat a barrel faster than you can imagine & that will drop the resale value a whole lot.
Censored


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


Posted By: shiloh
Date Posted: November 29 2024 at 2:57am
For 1941, I`d say its probably not its original serial number. AXxxxxx would suggest much later.



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