(Pending)Lee Enfield No.4 Mk I in 303 British US Property（Jungle Carbine-style）

🇬🇧🇺🇸 Lee-Enfield No.4 Mk I “U.S. Property” Rifle Overview

🔹 Overview:

This is an original Lee-Enfield No.4 Mk I rifle, manufactured by Savage Arms in the United States during WWII as part of the Lend-Lease program. It is marked "U.S. PROPERTY," indicating that it was produced under U.S. ownership and supplied to Britain. The rifle was later Factory Thorough Repaired (FTR) by the British military, and may incorporate Jungle Carbine-style features, likely added during its service life by military armorers.

🔹 Why is it marked “U.S. PROPERTY”?

• Historical Context: During WWII, Britain faced urgent shortages of military arms. Under the 1941 Lend-Lease Act, the U.S. produced and lent war material to its allies, including rifles.
• Production: Savage Arms of Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts, was contracted to manufacture over a million No.4 rifles.
• Marking: “U.S. PROPERTY” was mandated on all Lend-Lease weapons to indicate ownership by the U.S. government. These arms were technically loaned—not sold—to Allied forces.

Markings Explained:

• U.S. PROPERTY – Marked under the WWII Lend-Lease program; indicates U.S. government ownership before being supplied to British/Commonwealth forces.
• No4 MK1 – Rifle designation: Lee-Enfield No.4 Mark I.
• S / 117C530 – Serial number. "S" indicates wartime production by Savage Arms (USA), with this number range dating to approximately 1943.
• FTR – “Factory Thorough Repair”: A postwar British military refurbishment mark, showing the rifle was officially overhauled and returned to service by an arsenal (typically Fazakerley, BSA, etc.).

🔹 Why does it resemble a Jungle Carbine (No.5 Mk I)?

This rifle features a few external characteristics similar to the Jungle Carbine, such as:

• A conical flash hider
• A more streamlined, lightweight appearance

However:

• The barrel and receiver remain consistent with a full-length No.4 Mk I
• The stock and action are standard for No.4, not shortened like the No.5
• The flash hider may have been added during British postwar refurbishment or field service—not by civilians