I need a bit of help.

During the First World War Britain purchased a number of Model 1911 S.L. shotguns primarily for training air gunners in the Royal Flying Corps. These were purchased from the U.K. Winchester agent, the London Armoury Company. Although the quantity of shotguns ordered is unknown quite substantial quantities of spares were ordered so the number of guns ordered must have been in the hundreds.

It is likely that some or most of these guns would have received an Enfield inspection marking, in addition to London commercial proof marks applied when the guns were imported into the U.K. In addition when the guns remained in service after 1918 they may have had the letters R.A.F. stamped into the metalwork. This was the case with some of the Model 1903 .22 Winchesters that were taken into service during the war.

So, if you have a British proofed 1911 shotgun in your collection please have a close look to see if there is a small inspection mark and more obviously the letters R.A.F. I have been looking for one of these shotguns with British military markings for years and come-up empty handed. There must have one lurking out there somewhere!

Any help appreciated.

Regards

AlanD