Early Long Branch No 4 MkI for 1941……………(f 738) SOLD

Excellent very early No4 Mk I by Long Branch

Long Branch, Toronto, Canada was an entirely new manufactory built specifically for the production of small arms during World War Two.  Records indicate that by the end of 1941 they had purely produced the No 4 MK I in fairly small quantities. By September of that year they had only managed to make 200 complete rifles.  By the end of the year the number had risen to 7,589.   Rifles from Long Branch always have an “L” within the serial number.  Not knowing where exactly they started their numbering system, it interesting to note the number on this rifle, when looking further into the subject.  The serial number on this rifle is “1L937”. When samples from the early production run were sent back for evaluation to Britain, two specific numbers were recorded as  being sent, they were; 1L8577 and 2L3286.  So, all things being normal (which is a sweeping statement to make) this rifle is earlier than both of those – having only three digits after the suffix!

Of standard No 4 specification with Enfield bolt system which cocks on closing.  Ten shot detachable box magazine.  Chambered in .303.  Safety mounted on rear LHS of action, specifically of the forked Long Branch type.  Interestingly, the bolt arm spherical knob is drilled out, much like a No 5.  Also, it is quite odd seeing the rounded cocking piece on the back end of a No4, but it is correct for the early rifles.  The bolt arm rear face carries the matching serial number.  All components that go to make up the bolt are “LB” marked.  The logo-type stamp incorporating the merged LB is the Long Branch mark.  The bolt head is a number “1” unit.   Also visible on the bolt head is the plain crow’s foot acceptance mark of the War Department.

More specifically, the receiver is clearly stamped with the Canadian “C containing the broad arrow” marking.  To the LHS of the same is the gas escape hole.  Also interesting, on the RHS of the receiver just visible at the level of the wood-work is the milling cut which would be the first stage of the relief cut for the magazine cut-of.  Further-more, the top-line of the stock is relieved where that gadget would be placed.  Unlike later Long Branch rifles, the bolt release catch is of the type used on Enfields’ and BSA’s, made in Britain, where a catch behind the loading bridge is depressed to allow the bolt head to come out of its grove and be withdrawn.  Later they changed to an interrupted bolt rail.   At the front of the underside of the fore-end, the serial number is impressed into the woodwork and clearly matches.

The butt-stock is marked on the LHS with the serial number “1L937” otherwise the butt-socket is plain.  However there is one more stamping on the rear, top, angled surface of the action body and that is quite clearly the “C /broad arrow” marking for Canada.  The rifle measures 43.5/8″ in overall length.  The round barrel with bayonet lugs is a nominal 25.1/8″ long and the trigger pull is 12.5/8″ to the centre.  Excellent walnut stock showing marks typical of army usage but no dreadful damage.  Colour is good and even all over, as is the patina on the surface.  There is the slightest chipping in front of the trigger guard but it is not bad at all.  There are no splits of shakes in the whole of the stock and the top, rear portion of the hand-guard is correctly fluted for a long Branch part.  If anything is worth mentioning about the wood work it is that the butt has a mild tiger strip pattern within the grain.

The LHS outer action wall is clearly marked  “No 4 Mk I / LONG BRANCH /1941.”  The butt-plate is of the brass material, which were later replaced by the grey alloy type.  It is fitted with a butt-trap which contains all the correct cleaning kit.  Two sling swivels are attached to a genuine 1941 khaki canvas sling which is ink marked as usual.  One last unusual thing to see on a Long Branch rifle is the early built original type rear sight – not the later pressed steel type.  This has the normal close quarters battle sight and then when tipped up the fully adjustable “LB” marked aperture sight.  The unit is graduated from 200 to 1300 yards.

This is an excellent early example of an extremely well built No 4 in fine condition.  The bore almost looks unused and has a clean sharp bright two grove LH twist. The military blued finish is strong in some places and wearing thin in others and the high spots but is consummate with its age.  A highly important collectors grade No 4 Mk I just waiting to take its place in a serious rifle collection.

Please ask for Stock No’  f 738

£ 1050.  (Sold)

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