May 10 2005

Longbranch No.4 Mk.I*

Published by Mugwug at 19:20:32 under Firearms

My very first rifle was a Lee-Enfield No.4 Mk.I made at the Royal Small Arms factory in England. Before it came into my possession it had been “sporterized” (the full military stock had been cut back and the sights modified for hunting use). After some time I acquired a full furniture 1943 Lithgow No.1 Mk.III with a wealth of cartouches and markings speaking to its history.


Longbranch 1944 No.4 Mk.I*

I sold off the sporterized rifle soon after, and while the Lithgow was an amazing piece of history I had come to the conclussion that if I had to own only one Lee-Enfield, it would have to be a perfect Canadian sample. Shortly after moving back to Toronto I was fortunate enough to purchase the rifle pictured above. An excellent condition Lee-Enfield No.4 Mk.I* manufactured here in Toronto at the Longbranch Arsenal. Seemingly in original conditional, sporting matching numbers, a shiny bore, bight rifling and acceptance marks on both the stock and the receiver I counted myself lucky, and gave the Lithgow to my cousin Mike (who seemed to appreciate it more than I).


Visible Markings

There is not alot of information available online about the Longbranch Arsenal or the number of firearms produced there, but I have been reliably informed that before production was discontinued in the 1950’s Longbranch had made over 1,000,000 Lee-Enfields. This one deserves a little restoration (mainly steaming the dings out of the wood), but I admit I’m honing my skills on less critical projects before tackling this one, I’d hate myself if I marred this fine rifle out of a need for instant gratification.

This one’s a keeper, a real piece of Canadian History.

5 Responses to “Longbranch No.4 Mk.I*”

  1. # Derekon 12 May 2005 at 22:04:53

    Lovely! Mine’s a ‘43 bubba… my hunting rifle.

    If only i didn’t work so much I’d make time to take some pictures.

    Keep up the good work! I browse often.

  2. # Jamieon 13 May 2005 at 17:45:21

    Beautiful. The stock will look really good once it’s cleaned up with a decent finish

  3. # Danon 14 May 2005 at 11:10:03

    Truly, a rifle of legend.

  4. # Mugwugon 14 May 2005 at 11:29:02

    Yep, it’s definately one of my favorite rifles, although I feel too guilty when I drag it out to the range.

    I’m hoping that the Norinco SKS-D stock I’m refinishing is good experience for this stock, and I can work out the pitfalls on el’cheapo chu wood, rather than this one.

    All I need now is a good condition Ross Rifle, and I think we’ve got the two world wars covered for Canadian rifles (unless I get really ambitious and win the lottery, in which case Dewat stens, brens and so forth should make an appearance).

    :)

  5. # Cowboy Blobon 15 May 2005 at 20:54:21

    She’s a beauty! Even hoplophile should own one.