1917 Enfield Stock Marking Question

[JB White]

That seems to be the most plausible reason for its being. You have seen them too which reinforces the fact they're out there. Yet its an 'undocumented' marking as far as I can tell.
If it were a production marking you'd think someone would have listed it before our time.

[RC20]

Great information from all, well done!

As noted, the production numbers were beyond belief for any mfg of anything let alone WWI and the hand labor as well as the industry problem with employees period let alone capable or qualified ones.

Equally, this was not done to anyone's satisfaction but the inspector to ensure that the guns met specs.

Another adder is this was not a Government operation so records keeping during and post was not in the cards.

Its amazing what we do have and the fact of some oddities getting into the system would be expected.

Lo many years latter we would like a clear documentation and process but it was not setup for that, its purpsoe was simply to make guns that satisfied the inspectors and agreements and clearly they were extraordinary successful in the face of huge adversity.