Dated 1943 on the receiver socket, this Indian-made rifle has been subjected to modifications to make it a more compact fighting weapon. While no documentation is included, the timing of manufacture and overall configuration are suggestive of an early stage prototype for what would become the Number 5 Mark I Jungle Carbine. The overall dimensions have been reduced, with the forearm cut back but still retaining the Mark III style bayonet lug/forearm cap. The muzzle extends past the cap and is threaded to accept the included cone-shaped flash hider. The original rear sight has been deleted, instead a novel rotating drum sight is installed on the receiver, fitted with a set of 3 fixed peeps and an "empty" 4th position, which clears the path of the bolt head during removal. While faint, the "crown/G.R.I." mark is present on the receiver socket above the date and model marking. Smooth straight wrist stock, with the front sling swivel on the right side of the forearm and the rear swivel on the comb of the buttstock, and a matching serial number on the underside of the forearm.

Very fine as arsenal reworked, with 85% of the blue, showing some areas of brown patina, edge wear and handling marks. The socket markings are a bit faded. The otherwise fine wood shows a number of dings and dents. Mechanically excellent.