British, WW2-1941, RSAF Enfield Bren Mk I .303 Light Machine Gun, Serial No. F8537, 1943 Replacement Barrel, Canadian John Inglis Magazine, Old Spec UK Deactivated

*British, WW2-1941, RSAF Enfield Bren Mk I .303 Light Machine Gun, Serial No. F8537, 1943 Replacement Barrel, Canadian John Inglis Magazine, Old Spec UK Deactivated*

- Early RSAF Enfield Bren Mk I manufactured in 1941
- Receiver serial number F8537
- Correct Enfield "D" factory mark and 1941 date
- Fitted with original 1943 RSAF Enfield (S26) replacement barrel
- Desirable early Mk I tangent rear sight
- Original adjustable Mk I bipod
- Original wooden carrying handle
- Original walnut butt fitted with its early Mk I steel buttplate incorporating the removable butt trap plug and internal storage compartment.
- Original Canadian John Inglis (JI) 30-round magazine
- Numerous British military inspection and acceptance marks throughout
- Genuine old specification Birmingham Proof House deactivation (2009)

An original British Bren Mk I .303 calibre light machine gun manufactured by the Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield, in 1941. The left side of the receiver is crisply marked MK I, the Enfield D inspection mark and 1941, while the rear body is serial numbered F8537, matching the Birmingham Proof House deactivation certificate.

This example retains many of the features collectors seek on early Mk I Brens, including the finely machined receiver, adjustable tangent rear sight, folding bipod, wooden carrying handle and original walnut butt complete with its removable steel butt trap plug and internal spring.. The receiver also retains the correct selector markings and original finish, displaying the high standard of machining associated with early wartime Enfield production.

As is commonly encountered on service Brens, the gun is fitted with a wartime replacement barrel. This barrel is serial numbered 5351 S and carries the Enfield factory code S26, together with numerous British military inspection and Broad Arrow acceptance marks. The 43 date denotes manufacture in 1943, indicating replacement during wartime service rather than post-war refurbishment. Such replacement barrels are entirely consistent with military use, as Bren barrels were designed to be quickly exchanged and routinely replaced when worn.

The supplied 30-round magazine is an original wartime Canadian example manufactured by John Inglis & Co., Toronto, identified by the distinctive JI maker's mark together with wartime inspection stamps and a 1943 production date. Inglis was one of the principal Commonwealth Bren manufacturers, supplying both complete guns and magazines during the Second World War.

Approximate Measurements: Overall length: approx. 115 cm. Barrel length: 24 in (61 cm). Calibre: .303 British

History Note:
Derived from the Czech ZB 26, the Bren was adopted by the British Army in 1937 and rapidly earned a reputation as one of the finest light machine guns of the Second World War. Renowned for its reliability, accuracy and quick-change barrel system, it served throughout every major theatre of the conflict and remained in British military service for decades afterwards.

Manufactured by RSAF Enfield, this 1941 Mk I represents the original and most finely machined production pattern. Unlike the later simplified Mk II, the Mk I retained an adjustable rear sight, detailed machining and several refined production features before wartime economies simplified manufacture.

Like many genuine military Brens, this example shows evidence of wartime maintenance rather than remaining factory original. The replacement 1943 Enfield barrel illustrates the Bren's intended service life, with barrels regarded as consumable components and routinely exchanged by armourers. The accompanying Canadian John Inglis magazine further reflects the pooled Commonwealth supply system, under which British, Canadian and other Commonwealth-manufactured components were freely intermixed in service.

*Condition*
Presented in very good overall wartime condition with an attractive untouched appearance throughout. The receiver retains its original military finish with honest service wear, scattered handling marks and light areas of age-related patination entirely consistent with military use and long-term storage. All principal receiver markings, including the Mk I designation, Enfield inspection mark, 1941 date and serial number, remain sharp and easily legible.

The 1943 Enfield replacement barrel remains particularly well preserved, displaying crisp machining and numerous original inspection and acceptance marks. The walnut butt and pistol grip retain an attractive aged colour with expected military handling marks but no significant damage. The original Mk I rear sight, folding bipod, wooden carrying handle and butt trap are all present, while the supplied John Inglis magazine remains in very good condition with its wartime markings clearly visible.

Deactivation:
Deactivated to old specification and accompanied by its original Birmingham Gun Barrel Proof House Deactivation Certificate (Certificate No. CG78391), dated 10 February 2009. The certificate records the firearm as a Bren Mk I Light Machine Gun, serial number F8537, calibre .303, with a 24-inch barrel, manufactured in the United Kingdom. As an old-specification deactivation, it retains substantially more original handling characteristics than current EU/UK specification examples.

Please contact us prior to purchase if you'd prefer to arrange collection.

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