SMLE wrist top/butt socket markings

[jimmy9fingers1]

Hi all,

 

I was recently looking at SMLE that belongs to an acquaintance,

 

at the top of the wrist, there was some markings, what looks like possible inspection marks and also a larger Y and possibly a T (it's a little faint),

 

would anyone know what these markings are?

 

Thanks,

 

Jim

  

[4thGordons]

Many SMLE bodies have various single letter stamps in this location and other places, sometimes like here with other inspection stamps at other times not. In most cases the meanings are lost - the general consensus is they are stampings related to various stages of the manufacturing process but their precise meaning is not, to my knowledge, known.

 

Some single letters are common and are known but these usually appear in specific places

So a "T" on a No4 rifle body usually indicates it was fitted to T(elescopic) sights (there are other indicators such as the drilling and tapping!)

U  or M on a No1 rifle bolt head indicates "difference in specification" etc  

 

I am not aware of known meaning for Y in this location.

Chris

 

[jimmy9fingers1]

Thanks for the reply, I have seen random letters on the wrist before.

 

That's interesting about the T lettering on the no.4 models. I will have to check my no.4 at some point. Although I'd better not post any questions about WW2 items on here.

 

I don't think there were any unusual markings on the bolt/bolt head, just the serial number and crowsfoot arrow