S.M.L.E. No I Mk III* by B.S.A. & Co for 1917……….(F 1107)

Government Contract S.M.L.E. No I Mk III*

Built in 1917 under Government contract by BSA, to equip British and Commonwealth forces in the struggle against the Kaisers’ Imperial Germany.  In standard military configuration for the Mark III * by now, minus features like the magazine cut-off and the long range volley sights.  Chambered in .303 British with a detachable ten shot box magazine and Enfield bolt mechanism.  This rifle retains one pre-star feature in that the cocking piece is an early “D”- shaped fitment.  Otherwise it is all Mk III*.

This Short Magazine Lee-Enfield rifle measures a standard 44.5/8″ in overall length.  The round barrel is a nominal 25″ long and the trigger Pull on this rifle is 13.1/2″ to centre. Can be clip or individually loaded, there being a clip guide in the rear action bridge.  These clips would take five rounds each and were easy to load from above by simply pressing down on the loaded clip with the thumb, so forcing the five rounds into the magazine, followed by a second clip.   Indent in the LHS outer action wall to allow the thumb to travel far enough down to empty the clip without fouling on the outer wall.  The box magazine is easily detached by the magazine release catch within the trigger guard.  Longditudinally serrated trigger to aid grip.

This SMLE carries the serial number “F 20146” on the RHS of the receiver ring.  It also appears matching upon the rear of the bolt arm.  The underside of the rear sight and the front bayonet mounting stud under the muzzle.  Pleasingly it is also clearly stamped into the underside of the fore-end. In collectors terms this is an All matching example – (Possibly after the event) The rifle is fully stocked in a four-piece dark Walnut stock.  The stock appears brand new and yet is cut for the rear folding long range aperture sight.  The fore-end also has the dial remaining from the same.  There is a solid brass butt-plate with trap for cleaning equipment (a/f) The serial number is repeated on the barrel knox form and there are multiple government acceptance and proof marks all over the rifle.

 A fine strong dark patina with a fresh finish covers the woodwork.  Blueing is generally strong but there are loses in the most handled areas like the magazine.  The safety catch is mounted on the rear LHS of the action and is clearly marked “III”.   There is a strong broad arrow marking under the serial number on the receiver.  Twin sling swivels and stacking hook, hinged mid-band.  “U” marked bolt head.  The RHS of the wrist socket is marked externally as follows; –  “Royal Cypher / G.R. / B.S.A. & Co / 1917 / SHT. LE. / III*”.

Considering this rifle seems to still have its original barrel the bore is in good but obviously used condition with clear,  5-groove Enfield left-hand twist rifling.  There appears to be No pitting and grooves still have some depth.  Rear sights graduated from 200 to 2000 yards with windage adjustment.  Flat steel sight protectors either side.  Pinched steel ear protection to front sight.  A really good looking World War One period British Infantryman’s rifle with life let in it yet.  CIP proofs.

Stock No F 1107   FAC Required

£ 1075.

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