OK, I need some help identifying one of my SMLE's. I think our Commonwealth
members will probably know every detail about these rifles.
First, the markings are nearly invisible, I have never seen a military rifle with
such tiny, shallow, hand scratched-on (looking) markings. It takes a bright
light at the edge to even read them. At first glance it looks like it is totally
unmarked.
Here they are: N. 4 Mk 1 F(FTR) 49 below that is LB20XX which I assume
is the serial number. - clearly it is a No. 4 Mk 1 ( I knew that already) but not
sure what the F (FTR) 49 means. Is this a rebuild date?
I am guessing that because it also says: No 4 Mk 1 ROF (F) 1/44
So, I'm guessing it was built in Jan 44 and rebuilt in 49. No idea what
the ROF (F) may mean - maybe where it was made. I'm guessing that if
it was built in Jan 44 and then rebuilt 5 yrs later it may have seen combat
use, but of course it may have been used in training and worn out that
way.
Any help would be appreciated.
Bill