Brass Marking Disk for SMLE #1 Mk III*

[jubilationtcornpone]

This disk was purchased by my son for his SMLE. As he understands it the disk served to identify the rifle to the unit it belonged to. Can anyone make heads or tails of the markings on the disk? The first 3 letters appear to be BFI or RFI. It's hard to tell. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Don

[RobD]

Post this over on http://www.milsurps.com/forumdisplay.php?f=72 and you are bound to get the answer

[Bantam]

Originally Posted by jubilationtcornpone

This disk was purchased by my son for his SMLE. As he understands it the disk served to identify the rifle to the unit it belonged to. Can anyone make heads or tails of the markings on the disk? The first 3 letters appear to be BFI or RFI. It's hard to tell. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Don

Hi Don,
Not really my subject but I looked up SMLE discs in The Collectors And Researchers Guide To The Great War and it would appear that R.F.I stands for Royal Factory Ishapore who we know was an armoury supplying rifles to the Indian Army.
Regards
Bantam

[Unknownsoldier]

The majority of Ishapore SMLE's I've seen have been rebored to .410 I'm currently trying to find myself a decent one They were made up to 1948 there I believe, maybe even later

Tom

[cbuehler]

RFI does indeed indicate the Rifle Factory Ishapore. It is dated Feb. 1914, but I dont what the 11 9.T indicates, although this would be the unit.
I very scarce disc for a ww1 Indian made SMLE rifle.

CB

[jubilationtcornpone]

CB,

The "T" is really an upside down 1, therefore this was the 1st battalion 119th regiment. I had to join the military surplus but it was worth it. A good forum if you're into firearms. See Robd's post above for the link. Thanks Rob

Don