British No 4 (T) Enfield, Transit Chest & Telescope…………SOLD
Created on January 12th 2013
No4 T British Sniper Rifle, Transit Chest & Spotting Scope.
A Good Standard No4(T) British Sniper rifle, serial number Y4515. Chambered in .303 with ten shot detachable magazine. The markings on the action side wall have been partly removed, and then the action re-marked and re-painted – presumably when the rifle was put in for a FTR in 1948. With a magnifying glass the faint markings can be read as follows; “No 4 Mk 1 (F) FTR/48 / Y4515” “T” The (F) is for Fazakerley, other F’s appear on the rifle. There is a clear “B” on the safety catch – a small parts manufacturers mark.
The LHS wrist strap is marked as follows; “Y 4515” (although the 4 is very indistinct – it has to be assumed it matches the action as it is all one piece) Underneath the serial number is a very clear staggered “T R” and beneath that the top half of “FTR”. The other side of the action has had markings removed and a flat spot remains where they were. The scope mounting pads seem undisturbed with original five staked screws showing no sign of any “disturbance.” The rear of the action shows more inspectors stamps.
The bolt is of the solid handle type with the correct serial number on the rear of the arm by electro-pencil. Stamped clearly on the arms is also an “F”. The bolt head is a number “2” fitment. On the RHS of the action the letter “S” for ‘sighted in’ is clearly stamped into sidewall, another operation carried out during accurising. Correctly, the rear sight has been altered whereby the large battle sight aperture has been removed. Additionally, the late modification has been applied to the rear sight, where material has been removed from the under-side of the sight, so when it is laying down, it allows for removal of the bolt without first having to remove the whole scope assembly. The top of the rear sight which is graduated to 1300 yards is also marked with the Fazakerley “F”.
On the underside of the rifle, forward of the magazine aperture is the additional sling mount, next to this are more markings including an “R”, a broad arrow and “M47C”. The rifle is exactly 44.3/8″ long with a 25.1/4″ round blacked barrel. In all there are three sling swivels but no leather sling.
This Number 4T is fitted with a good standard two piece walnut stock and plain hand-guard. The correct additional cheek piece has been fitted to the butt. Underneath the butt is the “S51” mark and the serial number of the scope is applied to the top of the wrist. The serial number of the rifle is also just visible under the forward section of the stock although the passage of time has made it difficult to see. The stocks in general are in very good condition with the minimal amount of minor dings and dents from long service in the military. The butt has a plain metal butt-plate with trap for cleaning accessories. Inside the trap is an unused black Mk 5 oil bottle. It appears that this rifle saw little service after the FTR. This is also born out by the excellent condition of the bore, this is one of the best I have seen, with strong clean, sharp rifling, no pitting or misting. The action is smooth and functions well.
The scopes’ serial number “7996” is impressed into the top of the wrist. This scope a No 32 Mk I which was manufactured by Kershaw Ltd. It is 3 digits away from the last recorded scope made in that factory in their first allotted batch. The highest number from that batch was 7999. It has the early turrets with 50 yard clicks and the staggered towers. Original paint remains applied to the datum markings in the form of the red arrow on a white background. The turrets adjust positively with no extra effort required to move them. The top of the scope is marked; “TEL. SIGHTING / No 32 Mk I / 1943 No 7996”. The single post and cross-hair reticle is sharp and undamaged. Optics are excellent with no edge deterioation. Multiple layers of black paint have been applied to the external surfaces of the brass turrets, the shade and parts of the mounts to eliminate reflections which could be spotted by the enemy. Brass on high edges is starting to show through. There is a light brown leather scope cover which fits and protects the lenses well.
The scope mount is heavy and cast with the two large wheels for fastening. The checkering on the outside to aid grip is becoming worn, more on the front screw, and more on the front edges of each of the wheels. Behind each are the sprung locking washers. The mount is the only non-matching part but has not been re-numbered. It carries the serial number “39534” and shows some light damage which in itself has not damaged the mount too badly but would have been terminal for the delicate optical instrument which it originally held. There are clear armorers’ assembly numbers stamped on the mounts to avoid mix ups which are the numbers “56” & “57” On the inside of the casting underneath the scope, is a clear “F46” and at one end a broad arrow stamping, only visible when the scope is off the rifle.
The Transit crate is as should be measuring 46.1/2″ in length, 5.1/2″ wide and 10″ tall. It is completely painted in drab olive green, to the point that some bright spark has painted over the label inside the lid ! It is correctly packed with pieces of timber to hold the rifle firmly and not allow movement. It has two leather carrying straps and two leather hinges and flip-over fastening latches. Externally the description has been stenciled onto the green paint in white and reads; “CHEST S.A. NO 15 MK I” on both sides. The dovetail joints are clearly visible on the outside of the case.
Additionally, the correct Scout Regiment Telescope comes with this rifle. A solid construction of brass, glass and leather in a 3-draw, four section scope. It is just shy of 32″ in length when full extended (including sun-shade). The object lens is 2″ diameter. Nicely clad in stitched leather in good condition with some colour remaining on the tubes. The first draw at the eye-piece end is marked as follows; “TELE. SCT. REGTS MK 2 / H.C.R. & SON LTD /OS126 GA / NO 20193 / broad arrow.” On the side of the eye-piece it is marked “OS1616.SA”. The close-down for focusing is also present. It comes in its fitted leather hand-stitched case with carrying strap. The case being lined internally with blue material. Optics are very good.
Altogether, an almost a complete set, just a few more minor parts to source for the keen collector. Or, a perfectly usable rifle with a better than average bore. Almost certainly an investment piece which will be fun to own and to use.
Stock No f 317
£ 3600
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