Rifle, No. 4 Mk I*. Stevens-Savage. One of the 1.2 million Rifles, No. 4 Mk I/I* produced by Stevens-Savage of Chicopee, Massachusetts for Britain under the terms of “Lend/Lease” during WWII and as such marked “U.S. Property” on the receiver rail. Serial number 54C8532 (late 1943 production). Fitted with an “S” marked Mk II battle sight [NOTE: Owing to production difficulties with the Mk I micrometer sight, all Savage production after mid-1942 was fitted with the Mk II 300/600 yard battle sight as a production expedient. As Mk I sights became available, the rifles were retrofitted at the unit level. Therefore, the Mk II is the “correct” factory sight for most Savage No.4’s]. Has the characteristic “fabricated” front sight protector unique to Savage production. ALL parts – including action parts – are “S” marked including magazine/follower, bands, trigger guard, forestock cap, front handguard cap, swivels, safety, and “S” marked ILCO alloy buttplate.
Overall 98%+ gray/blue phosphate finish – no paint. Wood is American “rock” maple is excellent with only a couple of storage scuffs. All wood – including handguards – is “S” cartouched. The two-groove bore is mirror-like - extremely sharp and bright - and appears virtually unfired. Matched: bolt and receiver [NOTE: The forestock shows no sign of ever having been numbered. This, coupled with the Mk II sight, probably indicates that the gun was never “on issue” in the British Army].
No import marks. :-D
