Build date for a Fazakerley No4

[Wigwam]

The serial no of my No4 is S27754A. It was FTR'd in 1953 but there is no evidence of it's original manufacturing date. Can any one tell me please?

Information

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[Giove]

1942, I think.

Giancarlo.

[Wigwam]

1942, I think.

Giancarlo.

Thanks. About what I thought too.

[Peter Laidler]

The A suffix letter will tell Armourers later that the rifle was assembled using hand fitting and/or using hand selected parts. In future, assembly could prove difficult and hand fitting will be necessary - or words to that effect. I have the exact wording somewhere but can't find it. But it indicates that there could be difficulties ahead for the unwary Armourer!

[Otbed]

I've just acquired a Fazakerley No4 MK1 HA222**A which was FTR'd at Faz in 1948. I'm assuming that because of the '48 FTR and it's press and slide rear leaf sight it's a wartime production rifle. I can't find on the wrist or anywhere visible the year of production though but the original serial is faintly visible on the wrist so matches the post-FTR electro-pencilled markings on the receiver. Does anyone have any idea when it might have been made please? I'd discovered just ten minutes before reading Peter's post on this thread about the 'A' suffix but since the bore is excellent as is the overall condition I'm delighted to have it.
Tony

[Roger Payne]

The early Faz rifles had the date of mfr stamped into the butt socket below the safety, but some time mid-war they changed to engraving the info (it's very shallow) onto the flat part of the receiver immediately below the rear sight (just above & in front of the safety). It might be worth having a very careful look there. Interestingly Faz also engraved the month as well as year of mfr., eg 11/43.

[Otbed]

The early Faz rifles had the date of mfr stamped into the butt socket below the safety, but some time mid-war they changed to engraving the info (it's very shallow) onto the flat part of the receiver immediately below the rear sight (just above & in front of the safety). It might be worth having a very careful look there. Interestingly Faz also engraved the month as well as year of mfr., eg 11/43.

Thank you very much Roger! Just as you said it's very, very faintly engraved on the receiver flat above the safety. I've had to use a loupe under a very strong light to find it but there it is.... 9/43 - the year my Dad joined the army! I'd never have found it without your advice, thank you very much!
Tony

[Roger Payne]

Glad to see you found it - it's often really difficult to see as it's so shallowly engraved.

ATB.

[Otbed]

Glad to see you found it - it's often really difficult to see as it's so shallowly engraved.

ATB.

i
Yes it's very faint but all there - 'No4 MK1 ROF(F) 9/43'. Aren't forums wonderful, such knowledge out there. Thanks