TOPIC:

“DP” indicates that the rifle has been modified for Drill Purpose. Looks like a modified or “sporterized” Lee-Metford Mk II, shortened to the length of a carbine.

It looks very much like a sporterised Lee Metford Mk.1I with a shortened barrel. The pic of the action markings is not very clear; is the date 1892? And the lowest stamp looks like a "II". The three-crossed-rifles cypher on Nock's Form is ahe trademark of the BSA co of Birmingham and the proof marks are normal commercial proofs. I also note that at least one barrelo band bears the mark of Enfierld. BTW, the "Arrow -U" mark is that for the property of the Union of SA. "DP" means the rifle was ended its career used for Drill Purposes.
At this distance, I would think that the rifle was at one time made up of parts (by BSA Co?) and put out for commercial sale.
Regards
IL.

Thanks .Yes 1892 and. 11.

Possibly sold to someone in south africa before the boer war ?As it ended up with the Union defence force and later on used for drilling Purposes?

This is, I think, a Lee Metford Mk II rifle which has been cut down for cadet use. Fairly regularly seen in SA.
At some stage it’s acquired a Lee Enfield bolt and been re barrelled with a BSA barrel ( both of these commonly seen in SA)
Can you show any markings on the butt tang? This is the little thumb of brass which extends forward from the butt plate. Sometimes that will show the unit it was first issued to.
Has it been deactivated? DP, even if accompanied by a saw cut through the barrel or lead in the bore, is not deactivation in SA.
Rob

Thank you Rob.Only the number 156 appear on the plate ?Does this mean anything?Was advertised as deactivated.Regards Erastus