Eddystone “Fatso” P 14 Mk I* Rifle……………..(F 1194)

Model or Pattern 1914 Mk I* Rifle by Eddystone marked E.R.A.

Also known as the Rifle No 3 Mk I* depending on exactly when you are referring to !  These rifles were produced by America in an effort to help equipe Allied forces in World War One.  When the P 17 came out it was often referred to as The American Enfield thereafter, the whole lot get lumped-in together one way or another.  The were a strange mixture of influences, in that they were designed by British designers in Britian.  It was basically a Mauser system and finally built by the Americans.  Three main factories built them in the States, they were, Winchester, Remington and Eddystone.  Most early rifles were improved and carry the star designation – this is one of those.

Building them to a standard specification but entirely independant of each other though did result in some parts not being interchangeable.  Most parts carry the stamping of a letter code to indicate their origins; “W” for Winchester. “R” for Remington and an “E” for Eddystone.  However in repair stations, at various times during their history they often ended up with mixed parts – which is entirely legitimate.

The receiver is marked “ERA / 660152”  also, as easy to see, is the star denoting the upgrade and a single numeral “2”.  The two refers to teh No 2 magazine assembly but only in Eddystone ERA rifles., because they would not interchange with the earlier version. Gas escape hole on the RHS of the receiver ring.  The bolt carries the matching serial number, has a crooked handle and a drilled bolt knob.  On the outside wall of the action is a clear “Crowsfoot” arrow denoting War Department ownership and a Crowned “G.R.” acceptance mark.  Two more British inspection marks sit ontop of the action wall. The handguard retention ring is clearly stamped “E” on its crest.

The rear sights are protected by high steel walls.  Within the protection is the ladder sight assembly with sliding ladder and aperture.  The sight is graduated from 200 to 1650 yards and has a wider aperture battle sight when laid down.  The front sight is also guarded by steel ears.  In the update and refit the rifles had the volley sight removed – all that remains is the dial set into the forend.  Single bolt cross screw and no finger grooves.  This rifle has the more rare “Fatso” forend with the cut out of it for use with the front volley sight.  These are a more rare find in the collectors market. Safety catch mounted to the rear RHS of the action.  Bolt release adjacent on the LHS.

Plain shaped steel butt-plate with trap for cleaning rods etc (a/f)  On the RHS of the butt-stock is a brass ID disc – meaning unknown but reads; – “V.I.L. / 24. B. / 328”  There is a solitary “X” on the undwerside of the forend.  Volley sight dial remains on LHS of forend with a clear “E” stamp.  Sling swivels.  Bayonet stud incorporated to nose cap.  Excellent American Black Walnut stock and two-piece handguard – the whole being in good solid condition.  A very early modification or repair “splice” is visible on the surface adjacent to the action on the RHS just infront of the bolt cut-out – this may be reinforcement to strengthen the timber. Good 5-groove bore no pitting or breaks in rifling, defined lands and grooves.  Externally most of the metalwork retains a good degree of blueing, with gentle edgewear in places most contacted with the human hand.

Good P14’s are getting harder to find these days and becoming more collectible through their rarity – perhaps now is the time to add A Fatboy to your collection.

Stock No’ F 1194 – FAC Required

£ 1375.

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