Enfield Mk4 No1 info

[Pilsner]

Anyone know where to look up the manufacturer and date based on serial numbers for an Enfield Mk4 No1 in 303 British? Had one come into the shop and we were wondering its backstory.
Edited to add: markings are SER MK416XXX then NO4MK1ROF(F)5/43
CAI GEORGIA VT
CAL 303 UK

PROOF MARK IS A CROWN WITH 61N UNDER IT
Thanks,
Doc

 

[RockAndSage]

AI is getting better at this kind of thing. Went to google, literally copied and pasted the last part of your question, got this - go to that link and you'll see the text below, plus reference links you can follow for a deeper dive:



For a Lee-Enfield No. 4 Mk I, the serial number and manufacturer's code are found on the left side of the receiver or the butt socket. The manufacturer is identified by a letter prefix and a specific serial number block, while the year is sometimes stamped separately.

Locating the markings

• On the receiver: Look at the left-side wall of the receiver. On many No. 4s, the manufacturer's code and serial number are clearly stamped here.
• On the butt socket: Check the left-side of the butt socket (where the stock meets the action) for stamped markings.
• On other parts: The full serial number is often stamped on the bolt handle and, on all-matching rifles, may also appear on the magazine and fore-end.

Deciphering the markings

British manufacturers
British No. 4 rifles were produced primarily by three factories, each with its own serial number system.

• ROF (Royal Ordnance Factory) Maltby: Serial numbers typically start with the number 1 (e.g., 1xxxx), usually following a letter prefix.
• ROF (Royal Ordnance Factory) Fazakerley: Serial numbers typically start with the number 2 (e.g., 2xxxx), usually following a letter prefix.
• BSA (Birmingham Small Arms) Shirley: Serial numbers typically start with the number 3 (e.g., 3xxxx) or have a four-digit number with a single or double-letter prefix (1941–1943).

North American manufacturers (Lend-Lease rifles)
During WWII, some No. 4 Mk I and Mk I* rifles were made under license in the US and Canada.

• Savage-Stevens (USA): Rifles made under the Lend-Lease program have a "C" in the serial number (e.g., 0C1xxx) and may have a squared "S" proof mark. A "flaming bomb" mark also indicates US origin.
• Long Branch (Canada): These rifles have an "L" in the serial number (e.g., 0L1xxx).

Date of manufacture
The date of manufacture is often stamped near the manufacturer's mark on the receiver or butt socket. The date will be a two-digit or four-digit year (e.g., 1943 or '43).

How to use this information
To identify your rifle, you will need to:

1. Find the serial number and manufacturer's mark on the rifle's receiver or butt socket.
2. Match the number and prefix with the system used by the different manufacturers (e.g., a serial starting with 1 points to Maltby).
3. Confirm the date by finding a year stamp near the other markings.

 

[Pilsner]

Thanks, I didn't even think to ask AI.
*Tips hat*

 

[Pilsner]

updated info that I found for those who care:
The "ROF (F)" marking on an Enfield No. 4 Mk. 1 indicates it was refurbished at the Royal Ordnance Factory Fazakerley, and the "5/43" marking signifies the rifle was factory repaired or produced in May 1943, providing key dating and origin details.
Background and Meaning of ROF (F): The "ROF (F)" stands for Royal Ordnance Factory Fazakerley, a major British rifle production and repair facility located in Fazakerley, UK. This factory was responsible not only for manufacturing but also refurbishing large quantities of No. 4 Mk. 1 rifles during and after World War II

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Factory Through Repair (FTR): Rifles marked with "FTR" indicate they underwent "Factory Through Repair," meaning they were inspected, refurbished, and repaired at the Fazakerley factory to extend their service life. This renovation often happened years after initial manufacture, especially in the late 1940s when many wartime rifles were overhauled

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The "5/43" Marking: This typically denotes the month and year of either manufacture or refurbishment—here "May 1943." Such date markings were usually stamped on parts like the receiver or the fore-end and are considered important for verifying the rifle’s production timeline

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Other Markings and Identifiers:

• Serial Numbers and Factory Codes: Serial numbers can include letter prefixes denoting the manufacturer, such as "B" for BSA (Birmingham Small Arms), "S" for Savage (USA), or codes like "M47C" for BSA’s Shirley factory. The absence or presence of these helps confirm the rifle’s origin
  
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• Sporterization: Many rifles with ROF(F) FTR markings were converted to sporter rifles after the war, often by removing or altering military parts, such as shortening the fore-end and adding commercial sights. This makes some rifles less valuable to collectors but still operational
  
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• Bolt Head Sizes: Bolt heads are marked with numbers 0, 1, 2, or 3, indicating size variations to maintain proper headspace. This detail is notable among enthusiasts and collectors
  
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Significance for Collectors and Owners: Understanding the ROF(F) and FTR markings with date stamps like "5/43" provides collectors and owners with essential information about the rifle's manufacturing history and refurbishing status. Rifles bearing these markings were part of Britain's wartime and postwar efforts to maintain effective service weapons and are valued for their historical significance

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Safety and Ammunition Notes: Some No. 4 Mk. 1 rifles refurbished at ROF Fazakerley may feature chambers slightly larger than standard, requiring caution when hand-loading ammunition to ensure proper brass life and safe operation

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If you have this rifle or are evaluating one, examining the receiver, fore-end markings, bolt head stamps, and stock details can help confirm its provenance and condition. For further detailed identification, consulting specialized guides or forums dedicated to Lee-Enfield rifles can be very helpful.
Summary:

• ROF(F): Royal Ordnance Factory Fazakerley, UK.
• FTR: Factory Through Repair (post-production refurbishment).
• 5/43: Likely May 1943 manufacture or refurbishment date.
• Often refurbished postwar, sometimes sporterized, affecting collector value.
• Serial codes indicate factory of original manufacture.

This historical and identification information supports owners in accurately understanding their rifle’s background and contributes to preserving the legacy of the iconic Lee-Enfield No. 4 Mk. 1 rifle.