Milsurp After Hours

ladies and Gents I have been asked to look at this stamp to identify it.

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I dont think its an inspectors mark and its not a contractor or proof mark. Any ideas?

Its not in the right place for RNOD either apparently!

It almost certainly is a normal inspectors' mark - the format is identical to all of the well-known military view marks. There are dozens of unlisted view marks - particluary those on No4 barrels - but the "Crown over factory code over inspector number" is the most distinct of Enfield markings.

Given that "N" in British official marks usually indicates "Naval" and that this is not one of the usual factory codes, I'd lay money that this is indeed a Royal Navy depot inspectors' mark. Alternatively, given the crow's foot on the handguard ring, it might be an Enfield mark. The position of two marks on barrel and knox form would strongly indicate to me that this rifles was inspected after being rebarreled.

What date/ manufacture of rifle is it? Not that common to see a crow's foot on the handguard ring, so perhaps it is an early Maltby, Fazakerley or Trials No4?

Its a 1948 Fazakerly

Well the Crown's looks quite similar to those being seen on any number of MH's coming out of the Kabul Market Place and marked V.R. 1903 and later...

Just found a similar mark - albeit different number - on several Fazakerely FTRs I have. Marks are typically in the same location - barrel and knox form - but also on the rear receiver.

Looks like the "N" is a Fazakerley inspectors code.

I emailed it to Bill Harriman who'll be able to confirm if it is a proof mark or not hopefully!