ERA P14 MK1 Rifle………………SOLD

An interesting example of an early P14 in .303 British

This rifle displays several interesting indications of possible previous set-ups. To all intents and purposes it is now a regular P14 Bolt Action service rifle in .303 British caliber, but on close inspection it starts to yield some interesting hints as to its liniage.

   

Marked on the breach “ERA/ 53051”.   ERA  was marked on all rifles designated Pattern 1914 Mark 1 R, (introduced 21st June 1916) These were made by the Remington Arms-Union Metallic Cartridge Company at their Bridgeport, Connecticut Plant. In collecting terms these are less prevalent than their Winchester cousins. The safety catch is clearly marked E, as are other parts such as the nose-cap, bolt, bolt-removal catch, the ladder of the rear sight, the slide of the sight has an “R” on the reverse.

  

There are other marks on the action, like the war department “broard arrow” and some government inspection and Birmingham proof marks, and “BNP” under the bolt head, along with the rifles serial number on the underside of the bolt arm. The Mauser-type bolt barrel is bright, the rest blued. As mentioned previously the rifle retains its original battle sight and rear ladder sight.

    

The stock, which is in excellent condition – lacks the usual multiple layers of varnish and is purely treated with an oil finish. It shows only minor dings as does the hand-guard. Most noticably the stock is the wide type, swelling beneath the breech to such an extent that a releif cut is required in the left-hand side to facilitate use of the long range volley sight gauge at the front. This is a rare stock to find in such condition. The volley fore sight is marked “LEE2” and graduated from 1100 to 2800 yards. The pointer on the sight is marked with the broard arrow and the “WD” mark. The rear volley fitting is missing. The butt stock has a brass disk marked ” 2  E K / 3  17 / 347″. Also on closer inspection it has been noticed that there are two filled screw holes on top of the butt-stock indicating the earlier fitting of a cheek piece usually associated with British sniper rifles.

  

The rifle has a steel butt plate with trap which is marked “347” on the top tang. The trap contains the correct  brass oil bottle which is marked “EFD / Broard Arrow” on the base and with the serial number on the lid. This P14 is fitted with the standard 5 round internal magazine with steel floor plate and trigger guard which are still nicely blued, and a serrated trigger. 90% blue remains on all parts except the butt-plate which seems to have suffered the most loss with the lip of the trap being detached. The stock is excellent. The bore is strong with some edge wear on the rifling but it is clear of pitting. The muzzle and front sight also have retained a high degree of finish. The rifle is fitted with the canvass sling which is marked with a broard arrow and the number 18. Action is good. An unusual and rare configuration of the Classic P14 in good condition.

£695.00

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