Rare 1st Year of Production WW2 Canadian No. 4 Mk. 1 Rifle by Long Branch

Serial #1L1219, .303 British, 25" barrel with a fine, bright bore that has some mild freckling within the grooves about midway down.  This is a first-year-of-production, 1941-dated rifle, made to Mk. 1 specs.  The metal retains 85-90% of the original blue, with some fading at the muzzle, as well as along the high edges and projections.  Additional plum-brown fading is present on the nosecap and band.  The matching bolt has some further fading on the handle, with streaks of blue along the body, and is fitted with a very early button-type cocking-piece.  A Broad Arrow-marked Mk. 1 rear sight is fitted as well.  The walnut buttstock, matching-numbered forend, and handguards are in good shape with numerous handling marks and surface blemishes scattered about the reapplied military oil finish.  An armory repair is also present at the heel of the butt.  All of the markings are still visible, although some are a bit faint.  A single magazine is also included, and there are small, unobtrusive import stamps at the muzzle.  This is a rare, very early Long Branch No. 4, and is in fine-excellent condition overall.  FFL or C&R