early jungle carbine

[ar10b]

hello,i have no5mk1 jungle carbine i believe is a very early # and would like other opinions as to real or fake( cannot spell authenticity).it has the lighting cuts on both reciever and barrel, 8in. to rec. ring and 800 yd sight,flash hider,
rubber butt plate and blackish finish...my concern is the rof 7/44 A98X SERIAL # AND DATE..barrel matches but the bolt is markes A195X(LAST DIGITS X'ED)....yes 3 digits and A ON BARREL AND REC.....4 digits and A on bolt.........your thoughts appreciated

 

[DougW]

Could be the real thing. Parts and reciever cuts sound right. Pics would sure help. Probably a Fazakerley. My Faz is an 8/45, with a P prefix on the serial number. An A would be right for a very early #5mk1.

 

[ar10b]

having trouble getting pics that clearly show rec. markings...it is marked
no5mk1rof(f) and below that 7/44 A98X also the bolt handle has hole. my concern is the 7/44 date( earlier than usually listed dates ) and the 3 digit ser#( usually they say 4 digit # on real no5's). perplexed by the mismatched bolt # that is so near to matching( A195X)......THANKS

 

[Ignition Override]

Some of the British, Australian, Canadian LE owners at "Gunboards" will certainly know about these. Just go near the bottom of the first page and you see Lee Enfield.

From what I seem to have read, the BSA and ROF (F) plants only began to build these in late '44, but I could be wrong.

My "Jungle Carbine" came from "Joesalter" a few weeks ago and if you call their posted phone number, the nice staff might have a good idea. They sell lots of LEs along with all kinds of old British (and other) weapons etc.
The owner imports lots of his guns and militaria from his Canadian business into NH.

 

[DougW]

BSA and Fazakerley were the only producers of teh #5mk1. As far as the early date, keep in mind that trials rifles were built prior to general manufacturing, and they started making them at some point in 44. Garrison troops going into Norway after the war were equipped with the #5, but none saw any real combat.

The 4 digit serial number would be correct on a Fazakerley with a letter prefix. The BSA's are differently numbered, but generally have a 4 digit number. I have one of each.

 

[ar10b]

thanks guys, i did not catch the 4 digit ser. # includes the A so i quess that's o.k. , as for the early date i quess its real .....like some one said you don't start making them on issue day. i'm going to consider it genuine..thanks,again