ARRSE is supported by the advertisements on it, so if you use an adblocker please consider helping us by starting an Ad-Free subscription.

Unit initials "RNB"

Discussion in 'Military History and Militaria' started by ugly, Oct 2, 2011.

» register to remove ad  » advertise here

Welcome to the Army Rumour Service, ARRSE

The UK's largest and busiest UNofficial military website.

The heart of the site is the forum area, including:

Join ARRSE (free) to join in and remove this advertising
Search this thread only
Advanced Search
Page 1 of 2
  1. ugly

    ugly LE Moderator

    Found stamped into the top of the brass butt plate for a Lee enfield. its a factory parts bin sporter in my opinion but the unit id has me scratching my head!
     
    ugly, Oct 2, 2011
    #1
  2. EX_STAB

    EX_STAB LE

    Might be the owners initials if a sporter? I did wonder "Royal Naval Brigade" but that doesn't seem to be quite correct as a term....
     
    EX_STAB, Oct 2, 2011
    #2
  3. Auld-Yin

    Auld-Yin LE Reviewer Book Reviewer Reviews Editor

    If it is WW1vintage could it be Royal Navy (Naval?) Battalion, part of the RN Div?
     
    Auld-Yin, Oct 2, 2011
    #3
  4. IndianaDel

    IndianaDel LE

    There was a "Royal Naval Brigade" created on several separate occasions so it is possible, it was almost a "standard" Victorian ad hoc military unit made up of available ships crews. They were though very ephemeral.
     
    IndianaDel, Oct 2, 2011
    #4
  5. ugly

    ugly LE Moderator

    thats been bandied about but if I recall a big N stamped on the socket would indicate Naval use. look at the pick, I thought Royal new Brunswick regt but they are fairly new as a name. Its a typical butt plate stamp and rack number from the 1900's.
     

    Attached Files:

    ugly, Oct 2, 2011
    #5
  6. 4(T)

    4(T) LE

    Royal Naval Brigade?
     
    4(T), Oct 2, 2011
    #6
  7. BTDT

    BTDT Old-Salt

    Royal Naval Barracks? (eg Portsmouth, Chatham, Malta)
     
    BTDT, Oct 2, 2011
    #7
  8. Tremaine

    Tremaine

    RNB Portsmouth opened in 1903 as an accommodation establishment the Royal Navy built ashore.
    For any Devonport residents/ex-residents, that was the first RNB built in 1890, Portsmouth RNB followed 13 years after. But would they have stamped RNB on the Pick?
     
    Tremaine, Oct 2, 2011
    #8
  9. ugly

    ugly LE Moderator


    Who knows perhaps we can find out. The butt is possibly from a differrent rifle altogether. I don't recall there being any other N naval markings on the rest of it!

    Sent from my khazi using fat poo covered fingers, no emoticons so no offence intended!
     
    ugly, Oct 2, 2011
    #9
  10. Tremaine

    Tremaine

    Beyond my knowledge but it is a poser, wonder if any of the model specific gunboards/ Forums/collectors out there would be able to tell you. Chances are it's not the original butt, but if it were? .. and it could be RN Barracks, as someone said, one of the big three perhaps.
     
    Tremaine, Oct 2, 2011
    #10
  11. ugly

    ugly LE Moderator

    Believe it or not there isn't a record or list of unit markings anywhere on any firearm listed on the web. There are lists for accoutrements such as bayonets but not rifle buttplate stamps. I believe the practice faded with the move to the short rifle and the use of the brass marking disc!

    Sent from my khazi using fat poo covered fingers, no emoticons so no offence intended!
     
    ugly, Oct 2, 2011
    #11
  12. AlienFTM

    AlienFTM LE Book Reviewer

    Rhythm 'N' Blues?

    Coat, taxi, yada yada yada
     
    AlienFTM, Oct 3, 2011
    #12
    • Like Like x 1
  13. EX_STAB

    EX_STAB LE

    Have you established what Enfield this is from?
     
    EX_STAB, Oct 3, 2011
    #13
  14. ugly

    ugly LE Moderator

    ugly, Oct 3, 2011
    #14
  16. EX_STAB

    EX_STAB LE

    EX_STAB, Oct 3, 2011
    #15
Page 1 of 2