Deactivated Mk1 Bren LMG

This WW2 Mk I Bren Gun's  Markings & Service History

The markings on this WW2 Mk I Bren gun indicate a notable service history involving British manufacture and subsequent Australian military use, likely following a factory rebuild or ordnance repair.

Markings Breakdown

“ED” Marking
The ED mark is associated with the Royal Small Arms Factory (RSAF), Enfield, in the United Kingdom. RSAF Enfield was one of the primary manufacturers of Bren guns during the Second World War.
The name “Bren” itself derives from Brno (Czechoslovakia, where the original design originated) and Enfield (where British production took place).

“1942” Date
This date indicates the year of manufacture or a major factory refit/inspection. 1942 was a peak year for Bren production as demand increased during the war.

Serial Number “U5570”
The “U” prefix is consistent with British-produced Bren guns. The serial number identifies the receiver body and reflects the weapon’s original UK service life before later reissue or transfer.

“X” Mark on the Butt
An “X” marking on British and Commonwealth firearms typically denotes an inspection, repair, or modification. On wooden furniture such as the butt, it can indicate a component that was replaced, repaired, or re-fitted during service rather than a fault marking.

Crossed Swords Stamps
The crossed swords are British ordnance inspection and acceptance marks, applied after proofing and final inspection. These stamps confirm that the weapon met military standards and was formally accepted into service.

Australian Army Tag
The presence of an Australian Army identification tag strongly indicates post-manufacture service with Australian forces. During and after WWII, large numbers of British-made Bren guns were shipped to Australia, where they were issued, refurbished, or rebuilt by Australian ordnance facilities.
Such weapons are often found with additional Australian markings (e.g. Broad Arrow, “MA” for Lithgow/Maribyrnong), though not all examples carry them.

Summary of Service History

This Bren gun began its service life as a British-manufactured Mk I Bren produced at RSAF Enfield in 1942. It was later transferred to Australian military service, likely following inspection or rebuild, where it continued its operational or reserve use.

Condition & Accessories

Strippable

Dry-fires

Matching serial numbers

Magazine box with 11 magazines

Cleaning kit included

Supplied with Deactivation Certificate

Historical Significance

This Bren gun represents a well-documented example of Commonwealth wartime logistics, illustrating how British small arms were redistributed across Allied forces. Its markings reflect multiple stages of service, inspection, and reissue—making it a particularly interesting and authentic historical piece.