![]() It looks like the furniture has been varnished which would not have been standard British military practice - and perhaps supports the notion of civilian/non UK ownership. The BNP stamp is "British Nitro Proof" - a civilian proofing stamp. Out of interest, if you are holding the rifle out in front of you and looking down it on with the bolt closed, to the left of the cocking piece/boltway you should see three letters stamped into the receiver - these will indicate the manufacturer's name either SSA (Standard Small Arms) or NRF (National Rifle Factory) The crown is different on these rifles and you will see that there is no make (Enfield/BSA/LSA/Lithgow/Ishapore) marked under the crown as is normal. This is not really relevant to the original question - but it looks like your rifle was converted from a "peddled scheme" rifle. I would also be interested to see Chris's (4thGordons) thoughts. You did not say whether the rifle was live or de-activated, so I cannot say what other proof marks it should have. The final mark you show is simply the commercial proof, signifying British Nitro Proof. The answer is almost certainly "no", but I am trying to cover all bases!Īs for "KRR", this is certainly the regimental mark of the Kings Royal Rifles, but I agree with Thunderbox, it is unlikely they would have stamped the woodwork rather than a butt disc (always assuming the butt disc was there and not added later by someone for "authenticity") Looking to the left of the cocking piece, on the rear of the receiver by the safety, is it marked there with either SSA or NRF? 22 inch Mark IV I would expect to see something there. Are there any markings on the left hand side of the butt socket? If it was a military conversion to a. However the date, although virtually unreadable, does appear to be 191?. The nose cap of your rifle was made by BSA and at first I thought it may be a WW2 dispersal rifle as there appears to be no maker under the crown, and it is a BSA style crown. Your rifle was originally a Mark III* without cut-off slot. OK had to wait for daylight before attempting the photos: ![]() Photos of the barrel markings and left butt socket may reveal if the rifle has been in military service. ![]() "KRR" doesn't have any obvious military link, but if you can post a photo of the rifle and the engraving, we might be able to pick up some more clues. ![]() It was quite common for schools & colleges to own these rifles, and mark them permanently. 22" SMLEs were converted by the civilian gun trade, and were used by both military and private users. Hence the use of the replaceable brass disks for regimental marks, and/or removable painted-on rack numbers. It would not be normal for a British military unit to permanently mark the butt of a rifle, as the rifles were only their temporary property and might be later reassigned via depot. Does this indicate King's Royal Rifles, or am I desperately grasping for evidence of a glorious military past for my piece? HOWEVER it does have the letters K R R stamped on the butt at the side. Date under bolt unfortunately worn/obliterated and the brass disc is blank. I own what looks like a WWI Lee Enfield converted to. ![]()
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