Please help identify box

[maple_leaf_eh]

Originally Posted by maple_leaf_eh
... There is a matching service for No.4T rifles and No.32 Mk III scopes on www.milsurp.com. ...

No one has reported looking for C35929 or 28, nor 23802 on the matching service. Which only rules out one slice of internet connected collectors.

The bracket Rob mentions is a cast iron mount with split mounting rings on one plane and thumb wheel screws on the other, separated about 4" apart. The two threaded holes which are present received the screws to hold the scope on its side inside the metal case.

If the references are to be believed, plants in Canada, US and UK made about 4.1 million No.4 rifles. One information survey had BSA Shirley with serial number prefix C in 1944. The letter C inside the number sequence identifies Canadian Long Branch production. Yes, Canada made No.4(T) rifles, but the numbering and naming conventions were distinctive. The second number is from the middle of the 12,500 odd range of No.32 Mk. IIIs by A. Kershaw & Son.

Between 29,000 and 30,000 sniper rifle kits were made up. Once assembled at Holland and Holland or Long Branch, they were never to be separated. IMHO, you have the empty case for a British sniper rifle, which has been separated from its two companions. Either sold as surplus when the scope was lost, broken or condemned. Or kept by a returning soldier as a nice souvenir.

There are reproduction cans around. I bought one to complete a No.4(T), and paid a healthy price at the time for an ordinary stamped sheet metal box. A genuine piece will command a healthy price even now. A number better than you could devine to put on a price tag.