.303 Lee-Speed Carbine by BSA………………….SOLD

.303 Lee-Speed Carbine made by BSA

s/n 40332/J941

Wrist marked with makers name and “Patents” with the long Lee Action with 5 shot “fish-belly” magazine. Magazine cut-off and bolt dust cover marked with retailers address; “ARMY & NAVY CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY LIMD / LONDON”. BSA shotgun style safety and semi-pistol grip stock, chequered about the wrist, but worn. Fore-end also chequered and very worn. Correctly, no over-barrel handguard. The walnut stock extends three-quarters of the length of the barrel, ending with a Rigby patented bayonet bar, and marked so.

Ramp foresight and standard ladder rear sights graduated from 200 to 1600 yds. The barrel marked with many proof marks and the instruction “FOR CORDITE ONLY”  but later nitro proofed. The walnut stock is cross pinned at the wrist. The stock has a steel butt-plate with trap. Two steel sling swivels.

Interestingly there are four patents in all recorded and marked on this gun. The bore is worn but intact. The overall finish externally is worn but some blueing remains in sheltered areas – as expected. There is a pleasant untouched quality about this piece showing a lack of interference from would be restorers. The action is crisp and operates well for a rifle used in anger in the Boer War period. It was probably an Officers private purchase from the Co-operative society before embarkation to South Africa. An interesting and rare slice of British Military history.

£895.00

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