How can I tell when my Enfield was mfg

coalcracker · Post by **coalcracker** » Tue Dec 02, 2008 10:34 pm

Curious to how old my Enfield is? Is there a way to check the serial number somewhere to see when it was mfg. Also would be neat to know just where it was first issued? Is there a post on here that would explain all of that already????

I'm new here. Looks like a nice site!!!!!!!!!!

tonsper · Post by **tonsper** » Wed Dec 03, 2008 3:10 am

Enfield rifles, made in the US, were all made late in WWI, about 1917-18. Lee Enfield rifles of the various type were made from the late 1880s until the 1970s. Most of the Lee-Enfield and Lee-Metford rifles will have the year of manufacture of the receiver stamped on their left of right sides. There is a superb book in a number of editions called Lee Enfield Story by Ian Skennerton, others on the various versions by Skip Stratton (RIP), and one called The Lee Enfield Rifle by Major EGB Reynolds. If you can post a couple of pics of the receiver (frame) of the rifle, I might be able to help you a little more.

Woftam · Post by **Woftam** » Wed Dec 03, 2008 5:13 am

Coalcracker,

from your other post regarding bayonets I'd guess yours is a No4. This narrows it down to American, Canadian or UK manufacture. What is the serial number of the rifle ?

A serial with a C in it (eg 1C2345) is Savage manufacture - look for a squared S stamped on woodwork or metalwork and US Property stamp somewhere.

A serial with an L in it (eg 1L2345) Longbranch manufacture - look for a stamp combining an L and B intertwined.

A serial with an alpha prefix will be UK manufacture (eg A12345), the first digit will indicate factory.

Photo's are probably the easiest way to identify a rifle. If you can photograph the right rear butt socket, left receiver wall and post them here. If you have trouble posting photos you can email them to me and I can post them.

Post by **DuncaninFrance** » Wed Dec 03, 2008 9:21 am

Well you have come to the right place coalcracker. Photographs are always easier to help ID weapons so do your best.

I got the Ian Skennerton 'Lee Enfield Story ' for my Birthday - a GREAT book. If you are going to look for one then check out ABE Books http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/SearchEntry or Amazon where you will find second hand copies which are well priced. If you do buy one get the latest version from 2007. ISBN 9780949749826. If you never buy another reference book buy this one!