History and markings of my P14 Enfield

[DLecappelain]

Hello, 

I was recently gifted this P14 Enfield and was looking for some help in deciphering the markings. Also, if anyone would know the approximate age of it?

More specifically:

Serial# W32129

Stock Markings: PATT "14 with an (Arrow) above it and a IW with a circle around it

- Underneath the stock is a "O" with a 6 point star (Not an *)

- On the rear stock there is a gold plate with: "L.D.N" and numbers ".93. .3. .20.

- Along the hand guard there is a "27" 

There are no (*) on any of the other parts

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated !!

Here are some photos

[4thGordons]

Hi - very nice looking example

As you know it is a WINCHESTER made rifle. Winchester rifles were the most highly regarded by the UK - all sniper and marksman versions were made from Winchester produced rifles.

The six pointed star with the O above it indicates it went through WRS (Weedon Repair/Refurbishment Standard) at Skimin & Wood. Skimin and Wood were contracted to refurb just over 41,000 rifles in this process in 1939-41. It involved removing the volley sight and ensuring the rifle was fully functional after storage. (replacing any broken parts etc)

The absence of a * on the bolt or the chamber suggests it is still a MkI rifle (rather than the MkI*) the difference was the MkI* had enlarged/reshaped bolt lugs (and receiver recesses) MkI and MkI* bolts are not interchangeable.  This change was adopted relatively early in production so yours probably a relatively early rifle.

If I am reading the Ministry of Munitions tables of acceptance/inspection correctly I think your rifle was inspected by the British inspectors in the US in the week ending September 2nd 1916. (Production started in February)

The stock is a unit marking disc - but is slightly oddly marked (in format)  usually you would have a Unit, date (month Year) and a sequential (rack) number.

+++++++++++++++++++more expert help than mine is available on the forum for this ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The unit here would appear to be related to LDN(London) - but whether this is a Regiment or an Area.

The Broad Arrow (Skennerton) indicates LDN as used for Senior Division OTC London

It could be 20th (County of London) Battalion, London Regiment (Blackheath and Woolwich) a territorial Battalion :  so 20 LDN,  perhaps a 3rd line Training battalion supplying the 20th Londons which would fit with most use of P14s in WWI in training units.

3/20 LDN weapon number 93

but I would bow to others with better knowledge on that, there seems to be rather a lot of full stops on the disc.

Any chance of an overview of the whole rifle, it looks to be an excellent example.

Chris

 

 

Edited 26 January , 2023 by 4thGordons

[DLecappelain]

Hey Chris 

thanks so much for your expertise on this, greatly appreciated! I love war history and am trying to find out as much as I can about this rifle. 
here are some more photos 

Dan