G.R. Government Contract WW I S.M.L.E. by B.S.A.& Co..(F 1097)

B.S.A. & Co  S.M.L.E. for G.R. 1915

As Enfield was rather busy producing for the War effort B.S.A. and other such companies stepped in to the breech and helped fill the demand.  The Short Magazine Lee-Enfield was the chosen rifle for the British Army and this is just one such example.  Well made and finished for the fray it was about to be thrown into the S.M.L.E. earned a fearsome reputation and the respect of its enemies for its fast rate of fire and reliability in the terrible conditions.  Some German units when faced with first encountering a section armed with these at night, jumped to the incorrect conclusion that they had run into a British machine gun, such was their rate of fire in the right hands.

This example is built in standard military configuration for a Mk III *. Chambered in .303 British with a Ten-shot detachable box magazine.  The rifle could either be stripper-clip loaded or individually loaded from above.  British soldiers wore leather bandoliers packed with clips of five rounds each, which produced this firepower.  The action has a loading bridge with a grove which takes the clip and makes loading very quick.  With a bayonet affixed to the muzzle end this made for a serious contender on the battle fields of WW I.

The rifle measures 44″ in overall length.  The round blued barrel which is completely covered is 25″ long.  The trigger Pull is 12.3/4″ to centre.  In all there are four different pieces that make up the stock; all in English walnut – a reliable hardwood for stock making. The butt has a semi-pistol grip and a slim wrist.  The butt-plate is brass with a trap for cleaning equipment (a/f)  On the RHS of the butt is a blank brass ID disc.  The fore-stock shows no provision for either magazine cut-off or long range sight dial on the LHS.  Two piece hand guard completely shrouds the barrel.  Classically recognisable stubby nosed muzzle with bayonet fitting and early steel pinched ear sight protection. The rear sight has its own sight protection and is graduated from 200 to 2000 yards.  Being still an early rifle, the rear sights have the provision for windage adjustment.

The RHS of the but-socket has the following original markings, read from the top down: “Royal cypher / G.R. / B.S.A. Co’ / 1915 / SHT. LE / III*”  The markings are clear and easy to read with strong depth and no sign of refinishing to soften them.  The receiver ring and the barrel knox form (under handguard) are both marked with the serial number “Z / 36075” Below the same on the receiver ring is a clear War Department acceptance stamp.  The LHS of the receiver and knox form are covered in G.R. inspection and proof marks.  Also, on the LHS of receiver ring is the vertical gas escape slot.  Bolt mismatched but of a similar series and having a later rectangular cocking piece. Bolt head marked “M”  The safety catch mounted on the rear LHS of the action with the clear marking “III”.

Hinged mid-band with sling swivel. The woodwork shows all the signs of a long military life with all the dents and dings that go with it.  There is no splitting to the wood and a strong even and rich patina to the surface. The exposed crown is of rounded profile.  The rifle is freshly proofed to CIP standards.  The bore is obviously “used” but it still has form.  The lands are flat and clean if a little soft.  The groves are mid to dark grey and may well improve with use.  It is in remarkably good condition for its age.  It does not appear to the naked eye to actually have any pits interrupting it at any point.  Bolt face clean.

A real survivor and a collectible historic rifle – if these things could talk ………

Stock No F 1097

£ 1250. 

Comments Off on G.R. Government Contract WW I S.M.L.E. by B.S.A.& Co..(F 1097)