I found this one last year for about half the going rate for an Enfield. It had been part of a collection that included several Arisakas, Mausers, and a few Carcanos, none import marked. The previous owner had passed. At first glance it looked like a typical well used No. 4, but when I looked closer I noticed that it had no import marks and it doesn't appear to have been through an FTR refurb even though some parts have been replaced.
It is an early '53 date rifle, and from what I have seen online is one of the last few made for the British military itself, not a foreign contract. It has seen some use, there is a lot of finish wear and a heavy patina on the bolt and other parts but no active rust. The bore is worn but not shot out. Butt stock is a replacement, and something had spilled on it at some point and messed up the finish a bit. Bolt is a mismatch, but the forearm has a matching serial number. The rifle feeds and functions great.
The spike bayonet that came with it is interesting. It's pretty battered, but you can make out arabic writing on it. I have been told that this one was part of a WW2 RAF contract that was supplied to Jordan. Due to the late date of the rifle, I'm not sure when these two pieces came together or if the rifle itself has any Middle Eastern connection.
Overall it's an interesting one. Where did it come from? many of the late date No. 4s show little use. Why was it not import marked? It could have been missed by the importer, that happens. But if not, it's story would be even more unusual. Unfortunately there is probably no way to find out.
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