Help with markings (or lack of) on South African Savage Lee Enfield No4 MkI*

[WWIINut]

First of all, I don’t know much about No4 Enfields and bought this Savage without doing any research. I have since done a lot of internet investigation and found that it is a South African issued Savage produced No4 MkI*. It has matching bolt and all “S” stamped parts except bolt head, rear sight and barrel (I think).

It appears to be completely refurbished, assuming by the SA military but possibly not? The reason I say this is that it seems to have a mostly polished blued barrel with only the last ~6 inches frosted and doesn’t have any serial number or other common military stamping. It only has a small “D” in a circle and one other unknown stamp. Is this an original Savage barrel, military replacement, or commercial/aftermarket replacement that happened later?

Also, it seems to have some bright blued spots on sides of receiver like some markings have been ground down/removed. Is this common for the SA refurbishment process? Or could this have been done by someone later?

For what it’s worth, it still has a lot of cosmoline packed in the recessed areas, almost like it hasn’t been messed with after the last military refurb.

I have attached several pictures to help with the description. Thanks!!!

 

[WWIINut]

I forgot to mention that it is a two groove barrel…

 

[AlexanderA]

The Broad Arrow within a "U" stands for Union of South Africa ownership. The "M" within the "U", just below it, is definitely postwar, and may be post-1961, when the now Republic of South Africa left the Commonwealth.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Dunno, but it is a nice Savagefield!

 

[WWIINut]

The Broad Arrow within a "U" stands for Union of South Africa ownership. The "M" within the "U", just below it, is definitely postwar, and may be post-1961, when the now Republic of South Africa left the Commonwealth.

Thanks, I didn’t realize it was that late. Maybe after they were separated from the Brits, they stopped stamping the serial numbers in barrels? Just guessing…

 

[AlexanderA]

Maybe after they were separated from the Brits, they stopped stamping the serial numbers in barrels? Just guessing…

I have a South African marked, Savage manufactured No. 4. No serial number on the barrel. The serial number appears in two places -- the wrist of the action, and the back of the bolt handle.

 

[WWIINut]

I have a South African marked, Savage manufactured No. 4. No serial number on the barrel. The serial number appears in two places -- the wrist of the action, and the back of the bolt handle.

Great to know! So good chance it is the correct, original barrel.

 

[AlexanderA]

Here are some pictures of my South African issued Savage No. 4. That's the Mk. 1 Singer micrometer sight.

 

[eastbank]

i have owned and shot close to 30 enfield rifles over the years, some would not shoot worth a damn due to wear. but there have been a few jewels and this canadian lone branch has been the best one and i have kept it and shot it over the years, ex four groove barrel and matching numbers.