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Guys, picked this item up off eBay. Excellent quality, brand new and shipped in the original numbered boxes. Unit came wrapped in original tissue paper and the barrel snake and bore brush in a matching separate box. Very nice work by this man.

So, I've been doing a bit of research (which can be dangerous) and as many of you already know, the original finish on the Lanchesters was a gorgeous, dark (almost black) color. It reminds me of some of the top-end Browning shotguns I've seen. My question was whether or not, over time, the guns were arsenal refinished and if so, what type of finish was applied. Googling deep, I ran across a 2005 post from a Brit (civilian) who worked at a facility that refurbished Lanchesters for the government. He noted that the guns they received were stripped and re-finished with phosphate (parkerized). He also noted that the guns, in his opinion were very nicely manufactured, of excellent quality and way over-engineered. His post was in my opinion credible. He also noted that after the guns were declared obsolete in 1979, most were destroyed. Guns declared "export" include a separate six pronged star, and if then sold, a "S" stamp next to the star. (separate from the "star" by MK1*). Obviously most of the 79K or so guns were manufactured by Sterling "SA". Since the gun was mostly used by the RN, after WW2 when the UK sold surplus ships, they did so with all accrutuments to include any onboard Lanchesters. So, for those of us lucky enough to own a C&R, we may have the original or arsenal refinished versions, domestic UK or export, sold export or not sold export, MK1 (or MK1 converted) or MK1*, bolt block or not. Great gun (how could it not be since the design was "borrowed" from the MP28), great history and a welcome addition to any collection.

Gents, pardon but the M.P. 18,I has no home on this Forum so I thought I park this close to its distant cousin.... MP38u40 While perusing GB (I obviously have nothing else to do) I ran across an original 20 round "box" magazine, all stamped and looking good! Nobody but me bid! It's mine now! Eat your hearts out. If only I could find a correct magazine pouch... ugh.