SMLE markings....
Can you folks help me decode the markings on this SMLE?
I would like to figure out this rifle's life story.....
I know the CAI is the Century Arms import marking...but what does the "India .303 indicate"...and the sun/star?
And what does the "C9" indicate after the BSA?
And finally..what are these markings?
Tanks for any insight you guys can share.
Mike
I would like to figure out this rifle's life story.....
I know the CAI is the Century Arms import marking...but what does the "India .303 indicate"...and the sun/star?
And what does the "C9" indicate after the BSA?
And finally..what are these markings?
Tanks for any insight you guys can share.
Mike
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Like Charlie says, it's a old W W I SMLE,(Made by BSA = Birmingham Small Arms,), reworked in India. I believe the importer, Century Arms, is required to note the country of origin, where they obtained it.
The "Star" after the MK III, denotes a engineering change.0 -
yes like stated its a import from India should be a good shooter. 0 -
So it was originally manufactured in England at BSA in 1916.
At some point it was exported to India.
-Any way to tell when (time period?) from the other markings?
-During WWI? soon after? long after?
-Then imported to the U.S. by CAI....any guesses as to when?0 -
quote:Originally posted by 82trooper
So it was originally manufactured in England at BSA in 1916.
At some point it was exported to India.
-Any way to tell when (time period?) from the other markings?
-During WWI? soon after? long after?
-Then imported to the U.S. by CAI....any guesses as to when?
India was a British possession, until 1947. The British proof marks in your lower photo, are very hard to make out? But the SMLE could have been transferred, to the British Indian Army. During the between war years, 1918-1939, or even later?
CAI markings could have been stamped any time from the mid 80's, when the importation of military rifles was resumed, to recently?0 -
As always, thanks for the assistance.
Mike0 -
C9 is actually Co as in company 0 -
"Co"....thats funny, now that you say that, it is very clear!
However, when I looked at it initially it looked like C9.
Thanks for clearing up that one!0 -
The "INDIA" stamp indicates it was came from the British armory at Ishapore, India. They manufactured & repaired guns for the British for many years, then for their own military after 1947.
They even made the (mostly) new No 2A Enfield in 7.62 mm NATO in the mid-60's.
Neal0 -
I have Enfields in 7.62 and 410 marked 1943 with Ishapore markings on them. I will be selling my collection of them soon as soon as I get the selling figured out here. tks. hedge 0
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