*British, WW2, Lee-Enfield No.4 Mk I Rifle, Long Branch Canada 1944, 1951 Fazakerley FTR, Matching Nos, Old Spec Deactivated, with Sling & Oil Bottle*
Serial number 60L8748
A highly attractive Second World War Lee-Enfield No.4 Mk I* rifle, originally manufactured for British service in 1944 by Small Arms Limited at Long Branch, Canada, and subsequently overhauled during a 1951 Factory Thorough Repair (FTR). This example is offered in old specification UK deactivated condition and retains its correct external form, moving bolt, and functioning trigger, cocking and dry-firing correctly.
The rifle bears matching serial number 60L8748 to both the wrist and left-hand receiver body, the “L” prefix denoting Long Branch manufacture. The left receiver is crisply marked “No.4 Mk I*” and “1944”, with the original “LONG BRANCH” manufacturer’s marking struck through in accordance with British post-war FTR practice. The FTR is clearly indicated by the “/51” refit date and “3(F) FTR”, confirming overhaul at Royal Ordnance Factory Fazakerley in 1951, with a Broad Arrow denoting British government ownership.
The rifle is fitted with a Mk II pattern bolt, a typical and correct post-war replacement encountered on FTR rifles, and retains a desirable micrometer-adjustable rear sight graduated to 1,300 yards. The barrel is marked “Regulated by Fulton”, indicating post-service civilian regulation by Fultons of Bisley, a well-known and respected British specialist in service and target rifles.
Accompanied by a correct British/Commonwealth web sling and a WWII-period British Army Mk IV brass oil bottle, Broad Arrow marked and attributable to R&N Ltd (only the N is visible), a known wartime manufacturer of Lee-Enfield accessories. Brass oilers of this pattern were standard early- to mid-Second World War issue, prior to the later transition to plastic economy types.
Approx. Measurements - Barrel length: 62 cm. Overall length: 112 cm
Historical Note:
The Lee-Enfield No.4 rifle was introduced during the Second World War to simplify and speed production compared to the earlier SMLE. The No.4 Mk I* variant, introduced in 1942, omitted the bolt-release catch in favour of a simpler receiver track cut, and was produced only by Small Arms Limited at Long Branch in Canada and Stevens-Savage in the United States. Long Branch rifles formed a major component of Commonwealth small-arms supply during the later war years.
Following the war, large numbers of No.4 rifles were returned to Britain for inspection and continued service. Those selected underwent Factory Thorough Repair (FTR), during which rifles were fully stripped, gauged, rebuilt with serviceable components, and re-marked for further issue. As part of this process, original manufacturer markings were often cancelled, as seen on this example. The presence of a 1951 Fazakerley FTR places this rifle firmly within Britain’s post-war rearmament and reserve period, extending its service life well beyond 1945.
*Condition*
Old specification UK deactivation. The bolt operates, the action cocks and dry-fires, and the rifle retains its correct external profile throughout. Metal surfaces show honest service wear consistent with wartime manufacture and post-war overhaul. Woodwork displays expected handling marks and patina, with no major damage observed. Sling and brass oil bottle show appropriate age and use. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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