War Office Pattern Miniature Rifle Survey Collation

For further information regarding the age of British rifles, view the page on DATING YOUR RIFLE

Unfortunately, B.S.A. appear to have stopped the stamping of the date of production on their War Office Miniature Rifle production after 1909/10.

There are a number of ways to approximate the year of your rifle using its configuration as a guide. Information regarding alterations in design and manufacture is recorded by John Knibbs in his excellent book " BSA - The Golden Century" ( see Bibliography). He notes that, firstly, the introductory open single-extractor bolt was redesigned late in 1907 and the resultant recessed bolt-head with hooded extractor was introduced onto the W.O.M. rifle over the turn of that year, and "incorporated into all .22 Long Rifle calibre rifles made after Spring of 1908". This modification was to Patent No. 14373/07 detailed on the main page for the W.O.M. rifle. That patent was in fact registered in August of 1907.The appearance of the single-hooded extractor commences for us with rifles dated 1908, as indicated in "The Golden Century".

John Knibbs advises that the twin-extractor bolt-head was introduced in January 1909. Unless post-manufacture changes of bolts were undertaken by owners, you might think that this information ought to help date the early rifles. However, two early BSA rifles we have seen, one s/n 3xx 1906 (single-shot) with military full-length woodwork, and one s/n 6,xxx 1908 (magazine-fed) with the same style of furniture, are the only ones with open twin-extractors. Each of these rifles has a bolt with its serial number matching the rifle. Although that would not preclude subsequent switching of the bolt-heads, this is exceedingly unlikely in view of the work that would have been required to re-configure the extractor slots at the breech-end of the barrel (indeed barrel removal or replacement would be required).

Our table below records most survey submissions for 1906 rifles indicating fitment of the open double-extractor, and we therefore suppose that this was in fact an earlier configuration than the single-hooded version. Sadly, these bolt-heads carry no patent number; but you will see on our main page that the Patent for this BSA design was No.1000, registered on 15th. January 1907. The only single open (non-hooded) extractor we have actually seen and confirmed is on a bolt and head both serial-numbered 531 of a London Small Arms product., which seems to be contemporary with the BSA twin-extractor rifle mentioned with a serial number in the three hundred range. This latter bolt configuration matches that of the original BSA Patent no. 9437, for their rifles, of 23rd April 1906. Please note that patent numbering restarts from one with each new year.

For rifles post 1909 and not barrel-stamped with a year, we presently have to resort to estimates. If any owner is lucky enough to hold a purchase receipt, or other corroboration of date of purchase for their post 1909 rifle, we would be delighted to know of it. Otherwise we are reliant upon such production figures and datings as have been published thus far. John Knibbs states that January 1909 production commenced with serial no. 7001, which is certainly in agreement with our current data. He writes that " A total of 14,102 new style rifles [presumably describing those fitted with the perhaps erroneously noted double extractor. Ed.] were produced, and despatches were made well into the Great War [WWI]. The last rifle, serial number 21982 being despatched from the factory on 1st. July 1915. A total of 1,250 rifles were sent to America against three large orders despatched in February, March and September 1913."

This indicates that our last tabled BSA rifle, serial number 21908, was probably one of the last to be manufactured in the first half of 1915 before production ceased. With the first marketing of the rifle in 1907, the production lasted over eight years. A quick assessment of the early period suggests minimum and maximum BSA production figures for those known years up to 1909 In addition, we must bear in mind the reported serial number for the commencement of 1909 as 7001, and final overall number as 21982.

1906 - lowest final s/n 1182; highest final s/n 1708 - max. production = 1708; min. production = 1182; Average production = 1445

1907 - lowest final s/n 4033; highest final s/n 5444 - max. production = 4261; min. production = 2325; Average production = 3293

1908 - lowest final s/n 6853; highest final s/n 7000 - max. production = 2967; min. production = 1409; Average production = 2188

1909 - lowest final s/n 10440*; highest final s/n 10784* (approx.) - max. production = 3783; min. production = 3439; Average production = 3611

1910-15 - lowest final s/n 21908; highest final s/n 21982 - max. production = 11542; min. production = 11124; Average annual production = 2266

*The available data requires that determination of the final serial numbers for 1909 can be only an educated guess.

With each of these early years' figures assumed to be settling to an average, an approximate estimate has been made of annual production in the latter years until the First World War changed everything for the duration and beyond. With the onset of war in late July 1914, estimating the figures will be an uncertain science, and it might be suspected that numbers would have fallen considerably during that last twelvemonth. However, it is well known that every effort was made during this period to encourage the Nation's still civilian, but militarily eligible, male populace to practice rifle shooting; the Boer War's shortcomings in this respect still being well within living memory. To that end, it is reasonable to assume that production of small-bore rifles went on as long as possible where it would not seriously interfere with the imminently burgeoning manufacture of urgently needed Service weapons.

The average annual BSA production figures for these rifles evidently was close on 2,750; but, from the above data, VERY approximate serial numbers for the years are therefore

1906 = 1 to 1500; 1907 = 1500 to 4700; 1907 = 4700 to 7000; 1909 = 7001 to 10600

For 1910-1915 = add 2,275 per year.

Guestimation, of course, but better than being totally uninformed, and, if you have any information that may provide more accurate figures, then please do not hesitate to contact us at

Miniature-Calibre-Rifles@Rifleman.org.uk

If all this leaves you confused, it's no wonder; but that provides the very best reason for gathering data. Be aware that this data may not always as reliable as we would hope. It is suspected that some of the rifle dates are reported as 1906 when this is not actually the case. The fact that the rifles are of "Pattern 1906" may influence reporting; which would explain why we have supposed 1906 dated rifles unexpectedly interspersed between later years production. The London Small Arms Company rifle dates are particularly erratic in this respect, leaving one to wonder whether each rifle configuration may have had a separate series, rather than BSA's continuous consecutive system. Whatever the case, the data suggests that LSA produced little more than 4,500 rifles in toto between 1906 and 1910, roughly equating to no more than 1,00 per annum, and less than a quarter of BSA's total up to 1915. Additionally. where 1907 and later BSA rifles are reported to have "SINGLE" extractors, it may be that the reporting owner has failed to appreciate the difference between an early "open" single extractor and the later "hooded" single extractor. If you have at some time made a return to the survey, we would be grateful if you would double-check your data after carefully re-reading the

main page for the War Office Miniature Rifle 1906 Pattern.

If you are able and wish to help, please go to the SURVEY FORM below our data table

Maker	Year	Serial Number	Orig. Proof RHS	Late Proof LHS	Barrel Calibre mark	Single Shot or Magazine fed	Extractor type	Butt Trap hinge position	Woodwork configuration and other notes
BSA	1906	358	.22L	.22LR	Not present	SINGLE SHOT	DOUBLE	TOP
BSA	1906	586	.22L	-	Not present	SINGLE SHOT	DOUBLE	TOP	STANDARD SHORT FORE-END - Sold by Army & Navy C.S. London 50602
BSA	1906	740	.22L		Not present	SINGLE SHOT	DOUBLE	TBC	STANDARD SHORT FORE-END - This is the only BSA made WOPMR to be reported as having a bottom-hinged butt-trap - This has yet to be confirmed.
BSA	-	753	-	-	-	SINGLE SHOT		TOP
BSA	none	923	-	.22LR	Not present	SINGLE SHOT	SINGLE	unreported	STANDARD SHORT FORE-END - These data are uncertain.
BSA	1906	1182	-	-	-	SINGLE SHOT	UNKNOWN	-	UNKNOWN
BSA	-	1368	-	-	-	SINGLE SHOT	UNKNOWN	TOP	MILITARY LENGTH WOODWORK - the stock may have been changed from standard.
BSA	1907	1709	.22L	-	CARTRIDGE .220 LONG RIFLE	SINGLE SHOT	DOUBLE	TOP	STANDARD SHORT FORE-END
BSA	1907	1940	-	-	-	SINGLE SHOT	UNKNOWN	-	UNKNOWN
BSA	1907	2055	.22L	-	CARTRIDGE .220 LONG RIFLE	SINGLE SHOT	DOUBLE	TOP	STANDARD SHORT FORE-END
BSA	1907	2219	-	.22LR	Not present	SINGLE SHOT	DOUBLE	unreported	STANDARD SHORT FORE-END
BSA	1906	2778	-	-	-	SINGLE SHOT	UNKNOWN	-	UNKNOWN - and the reported date is out of sequence. It may have been the Pattern year reported.
BSA	1907	3046	.22L	-	Not present	SINGLE SHOT	DOUBLE	TOP	-
BSA	1907	3179	.22L	-	Not present	SINGLE SHOT	SINGLE	TOP	STANDARD SHORT FORE-END
BSA	none (?)	3310	.22L	-	CARTRIDGE .220 LONG RIFLE	SINGLE SHOT	SINGLE	TOP	STANDARD SHORT FORE-END
BSA	1907	3396	.22L	.22LR	CARTRIDGE .220 LONG RIFLE	SINGLE SHOT	SINGLE	TOP	STANDARD SHORT FORE-END - EXTRACTOR BEVELLED INTO REINFORCE
BSA	1907	3460	.22L	-	Not present	SINGLE SHOT	SINGLE	TOP	STANDARD SHORT FORE-END
BSA	1907	4033	-	-	-	SINGLE SHOT	UNKNOWN	-	UNKNOWN
BSA	1908	5445	-	-	-	SINGLE SHOT	UNKNOWN	-	UNKNOWN
BSA	1908	5467	.297/230	.22LR	Not present	SINGLE SHOT	HOODED	TOP	STANDARD SHORT FORE-END - Originally Morris calibre - sleeved to .22RF
BSA	1908	5607	-	-	-	SINGLE SHOT	UNKNOWN	-	UNKNOWN
BSA	-	5795	.230 CF	-	Not present	SINGLE SHOT	SINGLE	TOP	STANDARD SHORT FORE-END
BSA	1908	5975	-	-	Not present	SINGLE SHOT	SINGLE	TOP	STANDARD SHORT FORE-END
BSA	1908	6323	.22L	.22LR	Not present	SINGLE SHOT	SINGLE	TOP	MILITARY LENGTH WOODWORK - barrel sleeved by A.G. Parker ( Parkerifled)
BSA	1908	6554	-	-	Not present	SINGLE SHOT	HOODED	TOP	STANDARD SHORT FORE-END
BSA	1908	6799	.22L		CARTRIDGE .220 LONG RIFLE	SINGLE SHOT	SINGLE	TOP	STANDARD SHORT FORE-END - STAMPED NO. UNDER W.O PATT STAMP RC 475418
BSA	-	6853	-	-	-	MAGAZINE FED	UNKNOWN	TOP	-
BSA	1909	8076	-	-	Not present	MAGAZINE FED	HOODED	TOP	STANDARD - "DL23" stamped on the right side of the butt and on the cocking piece
BSA	-	8377	-	-	-	SINGLE SHOT	UNKNOWN	-	UNKNOWN
BSA	1909	8689	.22L	-	CARTRIDGE .220 LONG RIFLE	SINGLE SHOT	SINGLE	TOP	MILITARY LENGTH WOODWORK - STAMP UNDER 'W.O. PATT' ON RECEIVER 'RC475418'
BSA	none	8921	.22L	-	CARTRIDGE .220 LONG RIFLE	SINGLE SHOT	HOODED	TOP	STANDARD SHORT FORE-END
BSA	1909	9439	.22L	-	CARTRIDGE .220 LONG RIFLE	SINGLE SHOT	HOODED	TOP	-
BSA	1909	9233	.22L	-	CARTRIDGE .220 LONG RIFLE	SINGLE SHOT	HOODED	TOP	MILITARY LENGTH WOODWORK
BSA	1909	9503	.22L	-	CARTRIDGE .220 LONG RIFLE	SINGLE SHOT	HOODED	TOP	STANDARD SHORT FORE-END - LHS of butt-stock impressed "BRADDELL Est. 1911 - Belfast"
BSA	1909	10440	.22L	-	CARTRIDGE .220 LONG RIFLE	SINGLE SHOT	HOODED	-	STANDARD SHORT FORE-END
BSA	none	10737	.22L	-	CARTRIDGE .220 LONG RIFLE	MAGAZINE FED	SINGLE	TOP	STANDARD SHORT FORE-END - another rifle missing its magazine - can you help?
BSA	1910 ?	10784	-	-	-	SINGLE SHOT	UNKNOWN	-	UNKNOWN - date unconfirmed
BSA	-	11149	-	.22RF	CARTRIDGE .220 LONG RIFLE	MAGAZINE FED	SINGLE (1907)	-	Ex. J. Knibbs - The Golden Years - page 7
BSA	none	11303	.22RF BV BP NP	-	CARTRIDGE .220 LONG RIFLE	SINGLE SHOT	HOODED	TOP	STANDARD SHORT FORE-END - Still in good shooting order
BSA	none	11559	.22L	-	CARTRIDGE 220 LONG RIFLE	SINGLE SHOT	HOODED	TOP	MILITARY LENGTH WOODWORK - Stock has #18279 betwen pistol grip and buttstock sling swivel; barrel sleeved by A.G. Parker ( Parkerifled); shoots well.
BSA	none	11658	.22L	-	CARTRIDGE .220 LONG RIFLE	MAGAZINE-FED	HOODED	TOP	MILITARY LENGTH WOODWORK
BSA	none	11671	.22L	-	CARTRIDGE .220 LONG RIFLE	SINGLE SHOT	HOODED	TOP	-
BSA	none	11929	.22L	.22RF	CARTRIDGE .220 LONG RIFLE	SINGLE SHOT	SINGLE	TOP	STANDARD SHORT FORE-END - Barrel marked "Specially made for Manton & Co Calcutta".
BSA	none	12420	.22L		CARTRIDGE .220 LONG RIFLE	SINGLE SHOT	SINGLE	'none' reported	STANDARD SHORT FORE-END
BSA	none	12433	.22L		CARTRIDGE .220 LONG RIFLE	SINGLE SHOT	HOODED	TOP	STANDARD SHORT FORE-END - No date mark, but stamped with 'Birmingham' not England.
BSA	none	12514	.22L		CARTRIDGE .220 LONG RIFLE	SINGLE SHOT	HOODED	TOP	STANDARD SHORT FORE-END - complete with oil-bottle and pull-through
BSA	none	13218	.22L		reported as YES - calibre not noted	SINGLE SHOT	HOODED	not reported	not reported
BSA	none	13819	.22	-	CARTRIDGE .220 LONG RIFLE	MAGAZINE-FED	HOODED	TOP	STANDARD SHORT FORE-END
BSA	none	15368	.22L	-	CARTRIDGE .220 LONG RIFLE	MAGAZINE-FED	SINGLE	TOP	STANDARD SHORT FORE-END - Rifle missing bolt and magazine; if you can help, please contact "tjsolovieff@gmail.com"
BSA	none	15508	.22L	-	CARTRIDGE .220 LONG RIFLE	MAGAZINE-FED	HOODED	TOP	STANDARD SHORT FORE-END
BSA	none	15579	.22L	-	Not present	SINGLE SHOT	HOODED	TOP	-
BSA	-	16089	-	-	CARTRIDGE .220 LONG RIFLE	SINGLE SHOT	HOODED	TOP	-
BSA	none	16720	.22L	-	CARTRIDGE .220 LONG RIFLE	SINGLE SHOT	HOODED	TOP	MILITARY LENGTH WOODWORK - This rifle is in South Africa, and has an additional serial no. B209048 engraved below the original. "PAT 28" on stock near butt-plate.
BSA	none	17949	.22L	-	CARTRIDGE .220 LONG RIFLE	SINGLE SHOT	HOODED	TOP	STANDARD SHORT FORE-END
BSA	-	184xx	-	-	CARTRIDGE .220 LONG RIFLE	SINGLE SHOT	HOODED	-	Chequered stock, tang sight, barrel relined by H.Leonard, 19, Lench St., B'ham.
BSA	none	18615	.297/230	-	reported as YES - calibre not noted	SINGLE SHOT	HOODED	not reported	STANDARD SHORT FORE-END
BSA	-	20118	-	-	-	SINGLE SHOT	UNKNOWN	TOP	STANDARD SHORT FORE-END
BSA	none	21229	.22L	-	CARTRIDGE .220 LONG RIFLE	SINGLE SHOT	HOODED	TOP	MILITARY LENGTH WOODWORK
BSA	-	20883	-	-	-	SINGLE SHOT	UNKNOWN	TOP	DeLUXE - CHEQUERED WOODWORK = CASE, ETC.
BSA	none	21229	.22L	-	CARTRIDGE .220 LONG RIFLE	SINGLE SHOT	HOODED	TOP	MILITARY LENGTH WOODWORK
BSA	none	21246	.22L	-	CARTRIDGE .220 LONG RIFLE	SINGLE SHOT	HOODED	TOP	MILITARY LENGTH WOODWORK
BSA	none	21539	-	22LR	CARTRIDGE .220 LONG RIFLE-	SINGLE SHOT	HOODED	TOP	Reported as "Long fore-end pattern" which may mean MILITARY LENGTH WOODWORK - barrel marked as "PARKERIFLED.AGP" on muzzle crown
?	-	21637	-	-		MAGAZINE FED	UNKNOWN	-	UNKNOWN
BSA	none	21653	.22L	-	CARTRIDGE .220 LONG RIFLE	MAGAZINE FED	UNKNOWN	TOP	UNKNOWN
BSA	none	21908	.22L	-	CARTRIDGE .220 LONG RIFLE	SINGLE SHOT	HOODED	TOP	MILITARY LENGTH WOODWORK - mark on buttstock "IORC 6"
LSA	-	24	-	-	-	MAGAZINE-FED	HOODED	TOP	STANDARD SHORT FORE-END
LSA	1906	61	.22L	.22LR	Not present	SINGLE SHOT	HOODED	TOP	STANDARD SHORT FORE-END - with DeLuxe wrist chequering - faint LSA cartouche on RHS of butt.
LSA	1907	131	.22 (LHS)	BNP 22LR (RHS)	Not present	MAGAZINE FED	SINGLE	TOP	STANDARD SHORT FORE-END - late proof associated with barrel being re-sleeved by A.G.Parker ( Parkerifling)
LSA	1906	154	-	.22LR	Not present	SINGLE SHOT	SINGLE	BOTTOM	STANDARD SHORT FORE-END
LSA	1907	270	-	-	-	MAGAZINE FED	UNKNOWN	-	UNKNOWN
LSA	1906	319	-	-	Not present	SINGLE SHOT	SINGLE	BOTTOM	-
LSA	1906	324	-	22LR	Not present	SINGLE SHOT	SINGLE	BOTTOM	STANDARD SHORT FORE-END
LSA	1907	342	-	-	-	SINGLE SHOT	UNKNOWN	-	UNKNOWN
LSA	1908	387	-	.22	Not present	MAGAZINE FED	HOODED	TOP	"LSA" in a circle stamped on right side of butt. "A & N.C.S.L.", and "48673", stamped on bottom of trigger guard
LSA	1906	531	.22L	BNP 22LR	Not present	SINGLE SHOT	SINGLE	BOTTOM	SHALLOW / THIN EXTRACTOR
LSA	1906	625	none (?)	-	Not Present	SINGLE SHOT	Bolt missing	BOTTOM	STANDARD SHORT FORE-END - Bolt is missing. If any one knows of whereabouts of spare, please advise HARC-MCRRS who will pass details to owner.
LSA	1910	682	-	-	-	SINGLE SHOT	UNKNOWN	-	UNKNOWN
LSA	1911	721	-	.22	Not present	MAGAZINE FED	HOODED	TOP	STANDARD SHORT FORE-END - Magazine missing. Misfiring, needs a new spring?
LSA	1912	767	.22L	.22LR	Not present	MAGAZINE FED	HOODED	TOP	STANDARD SHORT FORE-END - Trigger guard marked A&N.C.S.L. and 53645. Parkerifled and later fitted with Parker Hale blocks and Pecar 3X36 scope
LSA	1913	781	-	.22	Not present	MAGAZINE FED	HOODED	TOP	STANDARD SHORT FORE-END - LSA cartouche on RHS of buttstock - magazine missing
LSA	1906	946	.22L	.22LR	Not present	SINGLE SHOT	SINGLE	BOTTOM	STANDARD SHORT FORE-END - barrel sleeved by A.G. Parker ( Parkerifled) - "Army & Navy CS Ltd LONDON" on floor plate.
LSA	1907	1563	.297/.230 in.	-	Not present	SINGLE SHOT	DOUBLE	TOP	STANDARD SHORT FORE-END
LSA	1906	2467	-	.22	Not present	SINGLE SHOT	HOODED	BOTTOM	STANDARD SHORT FORE-END
LSA	1913	2480	-	.22	Not present	SINGLE SHOT	DOUBLE	TOP	STANDARD SHORT FORE-END
LSA	1907	3410	-	-	-	SINGLE SHOT	UNKNOWN	-	UNKNOWN
LSA	1907	3459	-	.22	Not visible	SINGLE SHOT	SINGLE	TOP	MODIFIED - ORIGINAL CONFIG. UNKNOWN
LSA	1908	3632	-	.22	Not present	SINGLE SHOT	c	TOP	STANDARD SHORT FORE-END Pull through and brass oil bottle in butt trap
LSA	1910	4540	-	.22	Not present - just 22	SINGLE SHOT	HOODED	TOP	STANDARD SHORT FORE-END The forward part of the trigger guard is marked "Army & Navy C.S.Ltd.London" It is also marked with the number 53268 on the guard bow. There is not an LSA logo on the buttstock. Pull thru in the butt. trap.
LSA	1910	4595		.22	Not present - just 22	SINGLE SHOT	SINGLE	BOTTOM	STANDARD SHORT FORE-END The forward part of the trigger guard is marked "Army & Navy C.S.Ltd.London", and is also marked with the number 53327; large circular cartouche on LHS of butt; pull through with a brush cover "Expanding Brush Cover, Made in England A.U.P., The Parker Hale...." Details amended 04/08 - Extractor to "Single" from "Hooded" and butt-trap hinge to "Bottom"

Should you be willing to add your rifle's details to the War Office Pattern Miniature Rifle survey,

please enter you rifle details in the appropriate text boxes below and then click SUBMIT.

The origin of all such information will NOT be publicised, ONLY the rifle details will be added to the database.

Your name:(not mandatory).................................................................................................

Your email address: ........................................................................................................

Rifle Manufacturer:. (BSA or LSA)..................................................................................

Rifle Serial Number ........................................................................................................

Rifle Type ( magazine-fed or single-shot) .....................................................................

Butt plate ( trap hinged - TOP or BOTTOM) ...................................................................

Please ignore this cell - Office use only ........................

Barrel date marking if present ( actual year or "none") ...............................................

Rifle Woodwork (standard or long military)...................................................................

Extractor type -see ( Hooded single / Open Single / Double / Other)....................

Rifle Barrel "Cartridge .220 Long Rifle" calibre marking ( Yes/No) ..............................

Rifle calibre / proof marks (e.g. 22L - .22RF or .295/.230 CF - please notate if LHS or RHS)

Any other relevant information: ...........................

....................................If you have any other query, then please email the editor at: Miniature-Calibre-Rifles@rifleman.org.uk

Please direct any queries relating to the Leagues to: HARC-MRL@rifleman.org.uk

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