L42 photo help

[Lance]

Greetings All

I need help from the group to see if anyone has, or has pictures of, L42A1s with 1973, 1976, 1978, and 1980 body dates. The only 1980 body date examples I have found are suspect and I was hoping someone might have some authentic pictures.

I could also use XL42E1 (and/or XL39E1) photos as all I have is the example that was for sale at a show a year or two ago.

Many thanks!!

[Brian Dick]

I've had 1973 and 1980 L42s through here in the past but don't have photos. The markings on the 1980 L42A1 are different and might be construed as dubious but the example you saw may have been correct. I've never seen an L42 dated 1976 or 1978. I still have one dated 1975.

I have an XL39E1 of my own that I can do photos of. Tell me exactly what you want and I'll get it done.

[Lance]

I've had 1973 and 1980 L42s through here in the past but don't have photos. The markings on the 1980 L42A1 are different and might be construed as dubious but the example you saw may have been correct. I've never seen an L42 dated 1976 or 1978. I still have one dated 1975.

I have an XL39E1 of my own that I can do photos of. Tell me exactly what you want and I'll get it done.

Thanks Brian

I just need a nice clear body markings shot of the left side wall flat, my rifle is attached as an example. Attached also are the two pic's of the 1980s I have. The Maltby might be real, the other I doubt

[Brian Dick]

Send me an email to bdlltd@bellsouth.net when you get a chance.

If memory serves, the butchered one missing the front pad looks more like the one I had through here for export several years ago. It was definitely legit.

[303 Gunner]

I also have an XL39E1 I can get some photos of once I’m back from a trip if you’d like an additional example

[Roger Payne]

Brian, I remember being told by someone that the 1980 L42's bore large engraving, but I must say on looking at Lance's photo's I am uncomfortable about the last shown rifle, even though it has large engraving. Specifically, it doesn't appear to have had the milled flat machined for the front pad to sit on, & consequently the pad, although now missing, looks as though it was set back slightly. I know Peter has said that permission was given during the setting up of 4T's for this to be allowed, but I've never seen this feature in practice on a genuine 4T or L42. The rear pad also looks like it has been fitted using recycled screws, & not that long ago. Additionally, the butt socket looks to have been scrubbed, at least as far as I can see from the photograph. I think this particular example is a wrong 'un.........or should we say 'a tribute rifle'.....? What do you think?

[Brian Dick]

I agree with everything you said Roger. All I can say is the one that was through here for export had the large markings like the second one in the photos Lance posted. It's the only one I've ever seen. I wish I'd had time to photograph many of the oddball rifles I had through here when I was an ITAR registrant brokering import/export for many clients around the world. Just getting the job done was running me ragged and the monetary reward for the work was menial. Now I just break my back repairing stuff. I've been trying to morph more into sales for years, but people keep contacting me, and I seldom say "no".

[browningautorifle]

I wish I'd had time to photograph many of the oddball rifles I had through here

Story of all our lives. Where was digital camera pics when we needed them. The neat and odd stuff that's slipped through our fingers...never to be seen again.

[waco16]

Brian, I remember being told by someone that the 1980 L42's bore large engraving, but I must say on looking at Lance's photo's I am uncomfortable about the last shown rifle, even though it has large engraving. Specifically, it doesn't appear to have had the milled flat machined for the front pad to sit on, & consequently the pad, although now missing, looks as though it was set back slightly. I know Peter has said that permission was given during the setting up of 4T's for this to be allowed, but I've never seen this feature in practice on a genuine 4T or L42. The rear pad also looks like it has been fitted using recycled screws, & not that long ago. Additionally, the butt socket looks to have been scrubbed, at least as far as I can see from the photograph. I think this particular example is a wrong 'un.........or should we say 'a tribute rifle'.....? What do you think?

Another give away is the engraving.
Enfield used a particular Taylor Hobson font for their receiver marking.
This isn't it

[Brian Dick]

The engraving on the legitimate 1980 produced rifle I examined years ago bears zero resemblance to the engraving that I've examined on 1970 to 1975 dated L42A1s. I was befuddled by it too. That was the point of my comments. I've had more than 60 through here and I'm quite familiar with them.