The Lee Enfield No.4 Mk.2 represents the final and most refined evolution of the Lee-Enfield bolt action rifle, incorporating a significant design improvement over the earlier No.4 Mk.1. The trigger mechanism is hung directly from the receiver rather than from the trigger guard, resulting in improved trigger consistency and accuracy. The action uses the rear locking lug Lee bolt with a 60 degree throw and the cock on closing striker mechanism that gave the Lee Enfield its renowned rapid rate of fire. The rifles were finished in the durable black Suncorite protective coating characteristic of late British military production and stocked in blonde beech with a brass butt plate.

This example bears a UF55 serial prefix, placing its manufacture at the Royal Ordnance Factory, Fazakerley, in 1955, the final full year of Lee-Enfield production. The UF serial prefix denotes manufacture at Fazakerley, with "U" designating the United Kingdom and "F" designating Fazakerley. These rifles were believed to have been produced as part of a final Royal Air Force contract of approximately 30,000 No.4 Mk.2 rifles, manufactured after the British Army had largely transitioned to the L1A1 Self Loading Rifle. By the time Fazakerley completed production, the rifles were no longer needed for active service and were placed directly into government storage, wrapped in cosmoline impregnated wax paper. They remained in storage until being declared surplus and sold in the 1980s and 1990s, still in their original protective wrapping. The rifle features matching serialized components on the receiver, bolt handle, forend, and detachable magazine. The rifle is fitted with its original blonde beech furniture with brass butt plate and black Suncorite finish throughout. The wood surfaces appear to been coated with some form of sealant. Accompanied by one 10-round detachable box magazine and leather sling, no original box or additional accessories included.

Markings

The rifle displays a comprehensive array of inspection and proof markings throughout. The rear stock band bears several numbered Broad Arrows inspection marks. The left side of the rear stock band displays a "99" Broad Arrow "PB", along with "IAC ALEX VA" import marking. Two sets of crossed pendants appear on the bolt with an adjacent "F". The trigger guard is stamped "F54", while the front barrel band and middle forend band are both marked "F55". The underside of the forend is stamped "F55", and the wrist of the stock also carries an "F55" marking. The right side of the receiver is marked "D59". Adjacent to the magazine well and stock, a faint, presumably numbered, broad arrow marking is present. The underside of the pistol grip is marked with a "D". These date stamped marks, ranging from F52 through F55, exemplify usage of individual components inspected and accepted across several years before final assembly in 1955.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Royal Ordnance Factory, Fazakerley
• Model: No.4 Mk.2
• Serial Prefix: UF55
• Date of Manufacture: 1955
• Caliber: .303 British
• Action: Bolt action, rear locking lugs, cock on closing, 60 degree bolt throw
• Barrel Length: 25.2 inches
• Finish: Black Suncorite
• Stock: Blonde beech with brass butt plate
• Trigger: Receiver hung (Mk.2 pattern)
• Sights: Blade front sight with protective ears, micrometer adjustable rear aperture sight
• Safety: Thumb operated lever safety on left side of receiver
• Magazine: One 10-round detachable box magazine (serial matching)