Lee Enfield Cocking piece

[ovenpaa]

I have a cocking piece of the later flat sided type however it only has a single groove on each side as opposed to the more usual three grooves on each side. It is stamped with what looks like SA with 55 underneath, can anyone identify it please? It is currently on a 2A1 however it may not be original fitment.

[Strangely Brown]

I've seen Indian No.5's with "SA" stamped on the butt.

[saddler]

Savage

[Strangely Brown]

Just had a look in Skennerton's "The Broad Arrow".

It shows "SA" as a post 1947 independence mark for small arms.

[ovenpaa]

Yes the SA rings a bell now, I am sure the Savage had three grooves in the cocking piece and even some time on Google has not revealed a single groove version.

[Tommygunn]

Well here's a pic of a 2a1 I found on another forum, (US)...

[Rearlugs]

"SA" and the single groove mean its an Indian component - usually from a 2A or a 2A1, but occasionally found on later Ishapore No1 MkIII*s as well.

A similar cocking piece with two "flat" grooves and usually marked "DOW" is South African, or at least made for South Africa.

[ovenpaa]

It is the one in the picture so that is cleared up, many thanks all.

[dromia]

I also have some of these cocking pieces on Ishapore refurbished No4s and No5s I have in my collection.