Guys,
Just a query.

A few years ago I grabbed a Lee Speed (no military markings whatsoever) that appears to have been a BSA Lee Speed No3 Trade carbine (I thought) with a SMLE barrel fitted. Basically, turned down bolt, 6 shot magazine, safety on cocking piece.

Basically like this ...

Now for the interesting bit ... my rifles butt plate has a rolled over top with R and a number stamped. Have never been able to work out what its there for.

Caught up with a mate yesterday and he believes he's found an identical and original rifle to mine, he described it as 'no military markings' he called it the 'Officers model', its short barrelled, has Metford style sights, bayo lug for the older '88 bayonet ... higher R number on butt plate, lower serial number ... purchased from a collector.

Story that came (and what I'm hoping someone may have heard of) with the rifle is that somewhere around 500 such rifles were purchased and used by WA Govt with zero military markings. The butt plate number is said to be a rack number.

Thoughts ...
Cheers...
Con

PS: Dont stess ... I'm going to catch up for photographs.