Lee-Speed Magazine Lee-Enfield Mk I* by B.S.A & Co……(F 1118)
Created on February 19th 2024
Early Lee-Speed Magazine Loading Lee-Enfield Rifle
Of standard specification for the Mk I * military rifle but built by BSA & Co when rifles were desperately needed for the Boer War. These private rifles are notable because of their lack of Royal Cypher on the wrist-strap. Chambered in .303 with a detachable ten round box magazine they differ little from later Lee-Enfield’s’ except for the omission of the charger clip guiding methods later employed. The rifle is a finely built example of the military rifle of the day but with a hint of private manufacture in the choice of stock material and higher degree of finish. The stock is a handsome close grained dark toned walnut with a Tiger-stripe to the top of the cheek-piece.
Overall the rifle measures 49.1/4″ in length. The round blued barrel is a nominal 30″ long and the trigger Pull is 13.1/4″. The trigger being serrated for improved grip. The bolt also differs from “what we are used to” with the Enfield rifles in that is as as Safety catch fitted to the rear RHS as opposed to being fitted to the action. When cocked and the notched safety catch raised – the safety is applied. It also has a sprung bolt cover over its length, to protect from dirt and dust. Separate bolt head with Patent Numbers on the outside. The bolt is removed by withdrawing to the rear of the action, inline with a small notch which it will clear when pressured upwards.
The RHS of the action has a magazine cut-off fitted which when pushed inwards will prevent feed from the magazine. The serial, 20538 number is found on the receiver RHS and if the rear sprung hand-guard is removed then a matching number found on the barrel knox. That number is repeated on the rear face of the bolt arm. The RHS of the wrist is marked as follows; “LEE-SPEED / PATENTS / B.S.A & CO”.
The rear sights are of ladder type with a patent marking by BSA on the rear and matching number. The bed is graduated from 2 to 500 yards on the RHS and 6 to 1800 on the face. They have windage adjustment on the cross-bar and function correctly. There is a Mk II dial sight on the LHS of the for-end for long distance volley fire, graduated from 1600 to 2800 yards. The barrel knox-form top flat is clearly marked with an “E” meaning the barrel has Enfield rifling.
In the position of the long range sight aperture unit, is a BSA patent fully adjustable folding target sight with manufacturers marks and patents. (a/f) This fits with the previous owner’s related provenance, in that, this rifle is reputed to have won a rifle competition for the Navy in 1902 and did originally come with the engraved cup from the competition – which has been lost !! To this end the rear sling swivel has been moved to the position forward of the magazine as per a target shooting sling requirement. There are four sling positions in total. Being a Mk I * the rifle never had a cleaning rod and the nose-cap and bayonet fitting are the later Rigby Patent type, which is of course correct. The front sight is on a ramp which also acts as a stop for the bayonet. There is a wear mark down to silver on the underside of the barrel suggesting military usage from the bayonet.
The but-plate is brass with a long tang and a trap for cleaning equipment, empty. On the RHS of the butt is a clear “BIRMINGHAM SMALL ARMS CO LIMLD” roundel. There is also a distinct dip in the surface of the butt where a name or marking has been removed by sanding, only a couple of letters can still be made out; ” J. — / —- LK”. Other wise the rifle is fine condition benefiting from better finishing at its manufacture with strong blues and some light ware on some components. The timber is good with a clear even semi shine to the patinaed surface. Good Bore; Continuous rifling with a clean surface and dark groves that may clean, no surface pitting spotted within. Some light pinprick pitting behind the front sight, externally but very mild. Nitro Proved. A rare and collectible rifle in the Enfield linage and one not commonly encountered as many were seized in South Africa.
Stock No F 1118
FAC Required
£ 1250
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