.303 British SMLE Rifle, NoI MkIII…………..SOLD

.303 Short Magazine Lee-Enfield Service Rifle, No I, Mark III,

A very good SMLE Number 1, Mark 3.  Serial number M76193, Virtually as issued.  Excellent woodwork, only the slightest bruising on the RHS fore end between the barrel band and the fore end cap.  Of standard specification with 25.3/8″ long round blued barrel.  44.3/8″ overall length.  Butt to trigger 13″.

The only non-standard thing about this rifle is a dovetailed stock extension of 1″ full at the center of the butt.  Brass buttplate with trap for cleaning pull through and brass oil bottle. (present as shown in photo)

The action, barrel and furniture are all blued with dull armoury finish, (possibly a 1930’s refinish) with very little wear.  The only noticable wear being on the bayonet muzzle lug, which is also stamped with matching number.  Bolt matches action, rectangular cocking piece marked with “TD/55” a manufacturers code.  The bolt head marked “N.S.” for Nickel Steel.

The RHS wrist bears the royal cypher for King George and reads, “Crown / G.R. / L.S.A. & Co / 1916 /SHT.L.E./III”.  LSA standing for London Small Arms company.  Plain rear sight wings protect the rear-sight one stamped with the board of ordenance broard arrow.  The underside of the fore-end cap is also stamped with the same arrow.  Rear sights graduated from 200yards to 2000, and correctly, for this mark, without windage adjustment.

The wood work bear numerous stamps and inspection marks including the rifles serial number at the muzzle end. There are many clear crown and Enfield inspection marks.  The general condition, the clarity of these marks, the lack of damage or high edge wear and the unmarked unit ID disk could mean the rifle was never issued.

The rifle retains the magazine cutt-off device, its ten shot magazine (un-numbered) two sling swivels and one stacking swivel.  In general the rifle really is in excellent condition, with a clean strong bore, – no pitting or misting. No appreciable wear to the rifling or breech.  There are very few signs of any heavy use.  For the collector who appreciates condition, this rifle is just waiting for a new home.

£650.

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