Enfield No4 Mk2 info needed

[Zundfolge]

I've got one of the blond wood, "brand new" 1955 Enfield No4 Mk2's that I have up for sale here http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?item=53152795

I made the dumb mistake of putting information in the listing that I had not verified (mainly, I thought this was one of the "Irish Contract" No4 Mk2s where are apparently much rarer than I though)


Well I found out I was wrong and posted a retraction, but now I'm wondering exactly what this rifle is and where it was built.

The serial number is UF 55 A 2182 (and photos can be seen at the GB link above).

I don't think I have this rifle over priced but I don't want to mislead someone.

 

[mrmeval]

Prefix would be PF

http://www.jouster.com/cgi-bin/lee-enfield/lee-enfield.pl?noframes;read=20277

Gang,

I ran across this prior 2002 post from CSP and it gives the history and serial number range of the famed "Irish Contract" rifles.
Hagar
Posted By: kraut/Michigan
Date: Wednesday, 3 April 2002, at 4:46 p.m.

The No4 Mk2 rifles commonly referred to as Irish contract rifles were made at Royal Ordnance Factory Fazakerley, near Liverpool, England. They were never delivered to Ireland due to political problems and remained in war reserve in England until being released on the milsurp market in the 90s. The serial number range for these Irish contract rifles is PF 309348 - PF 359347. Simply put, there is nothing 'Irish' about these rifles. They were made for Ireland but never got there.

Also
http://enfieldcollector.com/serials.html
UF, UE, UB, etc are all a post 1954 format as best I can find.
U United Kingdon, F is Fazakerley, 55 is 1955

 

[mrmeval]

That's a hell of a nice rifle and well worth the money.

My No4 Mk1 Longbranch is in similar shape but there's damage in the stock near the muzzle.

http://mrmeval.is-a-geek.net/~jcaldwel/images/rifles/Enfield-Mk4No1-longbranch-maple.jpg

Damage:
http://mrmeval.is-a-geek.net/~jcaldwel/images/rifles/Enfield-No4Mk1-longbranch-maple-band.jpg

I think it's some sort of rack damage but do not know.

 

[Zundfolge]

Thanks for the info, that helps clear things up.


Too bad this wasn't an Irish Contract or I could have started the bidding much higher

 

[Vic303]

Beautiful Enfield...!

 

[mephisto]

I have one thats just a bit younger

 

[Uinsionn]

Lee Enfield .303 No4 Mk2 Serial # UF 55 AXXXX

I just bought one of these LE's from a friend who found it a few years ago in a store in Central VA "mummified" in gauze and cosmoline. It came with a printed slip noting that it had been kept in storage in Ireland. It is in excellent condition.
The No4 Mk2's were still in use by the Irish Army Reserves (of which I was a member) up to the late 80's. I recall being told by an officer at the time that there were crates full of brand new .303's stored in the Curragh barracks, Co. Kildare. When the reserves were issued with FN FAL's the stored .303's were to be sold, and I recall mention of India, Pakistan and US collectors as the final destinations. It would have been impossible for Irish buyers to get one at the time (or even now) because of the troubles up north. I'd be very interested to have somebody confirm if the UF 55 rifles are indeed from this consignment. I paid $400 - maybe overpaid - but I don't care. It is a thing of beauty.

 

[sirdutch]

Lee Enfield .303 No4 Mk2

Hello,I paid about the same for mine. It also was a cosmoline wrapped Lee Enfield from an Irish warehouse. I don't care if I paid too much either. I think it is a great deal! Mine is pristine with a blonde Beech stock and came complete with sling and a No. 9 blade bayonet. The receiver is Marked No. 4 Mk 2 F57 FTR (A12XXX) The rifle went to the Fazakerley Royal Ordnance Factory in 1957 in the U.K. (F57) for a Factory Thorough Repair (FTR), postwar. The blade bayonet was the appropriate upgrade when it it was finished and wrapped in cosmoline prior to shipment to Ireland. I hope you have one with yours. Some diehard collectors put a lesser value to these rifles but they are in brand new condition. Since British ammo contained Cordite, which burns extremely hot and is hard on barrels, your rifle will be one of the more accurate Enfields and will be an excellent shooter. Your barrel is new. Have fun with it. It will attract attention!!!
Cheers!!! Maynard

 

[sirdutch]

Lee Enfield .303 No4 Mk2

Opps!! I thought I lost my 1st post Sorry for the duplication

 

[Jim K]

My info is that the Irish contract numbers were PF309348-PF359347.

They were apparently made for the Irish Republic, but were never delivered.

Jim