Operation CARPETBAGGER: French Resistance No4 Enfield

Published on November 18, 2022
Duration: 10:46

This guide details how to identify and inspect a No4 MkI Enfield rifle, focusing on markings relevant to its service with the French Resistance and post-war confiscation. It covers checking factory codes, serial numbers, French inventory stamps, and distinguishing between MkI and MkI* variants. The information is presented with the authority of Ian McCollum, a recognized expert in historical firearms.

Quick Summary

Expert Ian McCollum explains how to identify No4 MkI Enfield rifles supplied to the French Resistance during Operation Carpetbagger. Key identifiers include 1944 production dates, specific factory markings (Maltby, BSA Shirley), and post-war French 'PP' inventory stamps. He also details a rare 'MkI*' marking error and notes that original magazines are often replaced with reproductions.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: French Resistance Enfield
  2. 00:22Operation Carpetbagger Details
  3. 01:35Weapons Dropped
  4. 02:14Factory Markings and Serial Numbers
  5. 03:28Post-War French Police Markings
  6. 04:42Condition and Storage History
  7. 05:42The MkI* Marking Error
  8. 07:35Production Features
  9. 08:25Importation and Collector Value

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Operation Carpetbagger?

Operation Carpetbagger was a joint British-American mission in 1944 that used B-24 Liberators to air-drop weapons and supplies to the French Resistance, aiming to disrupt German forces during Allied invasions.

How can I identify a No4 MkI Enfield used by the French Resistance?

Look for 1944 production dates, specific factory markings (like Maltby or BSA Shirley), and post-war French 'PP' inventory stamps on the receiver. Also, check for the correct MkI bolt release mechanism.

What is the significance of the 'PP' stamp on a No4 MkI Enfield?

The 'PP' stamp indicates the rifle was confiscated and inventoried by French police after World War II, often as part of efforts to control civil unrest and disarm resistance fighters.

Are the magazines typically original on these No4 MkI Enfield rifles?

No, the magazines accompanying these rifles are frequently modern reproductions. This is because French police often stored confiscated firearms without their magazines during the post-war period.

What is the 'MkI* marking error' mentioned for the No4 MkI Enfield?

It refers to a rare 1944 production error where some Maltby rifles were incorrectly roll-marked as 'MkI*', a designation usually reserved for simplified bolt-release models produced in North America.

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