.303 No 4 (T) Mk1 Sniper Rifle………………(f 768) SOLD

Rare and Original WW2 Enfield Sniper Rifle.

Since the turn of this century, collecting military sniper rifles has become quite the thing amongst the gun collecting community.  Consequently, prices have risen rapidly and as a result of this single fact, there suddenly seem, to be a plethora of “genuine examples” flooding the market.  Moreover, the examples being offered, in most cases do not, in my opinion, justify the prices being asked. I will try to explain why, because, I am personally fed-up with hearing stories of purchases gone wrong. I believe that all faith will be lost with dealers and the market will eventually implode!  Even if you do not purchase this example, I am writing this in the hope that it will help you get a little closer to that Golden Fleece, without getting seriously burnt.  Buying and collecting these particular items has to be approached with extreme caution.  The best weapon you can use in your quest; is information.  The buyer must satisfy himself, with the aid of verifiable, accurate information on his subject.  This area of interest should now carry a warning; Buyer Beware!  With Skull and Cross-bones on either side!  Fingers have been burnt!  Do your research and don’t trust the internet!  Ironic!  But, Quid Pro Quo; “…a favour or advantage granted in return for something….”  In this case, Peace of mind.  You get what you pay for i.e. knowledge, investment of time, study, effort and business reputation.  How can you verify the accuracy of the information you are relying upon.  Do the homework or rely on a reputable dealer, if you smell a rat or something is nibbling at the back of your mind, then; there is probably a rat in the vicinity!

So another way of establishing a veil of truth around a scurrilous object is is by surrounding the base item with a smoke-screen of accessories thus distracting the buyer from the obvious tell-tale omissions on the main subject.  In the long run however, they are the very things one should be concentrating on; to satisfy your tick-box list of pertinent points.  It would in this case be possible, with the aid of a bottomless pocket, to assemble the full Sniper Kit, as issued. It is only worth doing this if you know that the base object is definitely correct.  Some of these components also seem to have slid up in value, to a somewhat ridiculous level.  The shame surrounding these items now is that many are being force matched.  Any traces of originality are slowly slipping from view as fresh numbers are being applied, in misguided attempts to make everything match.  With this rifle, there are none of the accoutrements associated with the wider kit; as they have been lost or mislaid.  It easy to forget that these rifles have been through a period of relatively low value and things like a bulky wooden box would only have represented an extra burden on the ranges!  It is also hard to appreciate from a shooters and collectors perspective, that the de-act market has swallowed up a large proportion of the remaining kit!  Where matching marks and numbers mean more than a functioning example.  Here follows as accurate account of what is on offer here, as possible.  The Buyer must satisfy themselves that these facts are correct for this type of weapon, then I would highly recommend a hands-on visual inspection of the rifle.

This No4 (T) Sniper Rifle correctly shows the serial number D35940 on LHS of the wrist/ butt-socket. That number is repeated on the outer side of the scope mounting bracket.  In standard Enfield fashion, the matching serial number is repeated on the rear face of the bolt arm. The complete serial number also appears on the underside of the fore-end, towards the muzzle end, stamped into the woodwork.  Further markings are visible on the same surface of the wrist. Reading from the top down it is possible to see; “M47 C (partially over-stamped) ENGLAND / 1944 / D35940 / TR” The notched safety catch above also shows “M/47 C”.  On the side of the outer LHS action wall is a single letter “T” between the two scope pads.  The rifle has the standard 1300 yard flip-up ladder sight mounted on the rear of the action with the tell-tale grinding marks left by the armourers when they removed the battle sight.  This allows the scope to sit in place without contacting the rifle.

The wrist markings tell the story of the rifles official use.  The M47 C is the war-time manufacturers code for BSA. Shirley.   The word “ENGLAND” stamped over indicates that the rifle was supplied to a commonwealth government as part of a post war aid program.  The serial number is obvious, as is the date.  The “TR” indicates conversion to a telescopic sighted rifle.  Also just visible at the rear slope of each action side-wall are further important Enfield “On-Site” inspectors markings.

The stock has the obvious extra cheek piece added to the comb of the butt.  On the underside on the butt is a single clear marking “S 51” which means the conversion was carried out at Holland & Holland in North London.  There are more inspectors markings on the underside of the wrist just before it enters the wrist socket.  Other alterations to the standard rifle on the butt are, the early mark I sling swivel, chosen to accommodate the adjustable leather sling.  The last easily noticed change to the butt is the alloy grey metal butt-plate (with trap).  The upper tang of the butt-plate has the crows-foot marking (WD mark).  These are often changed out by collectors who prefer the nice shiny brass one.  Finally, the scope number is stamped into the upper surface of the wrist. It is a major plus point to find one with a matching number as swop-outs and changes have had plenty of time to occur during the rifles use, both official and non-official.

 Chambered in .303 British caliber with 25″ round blued barrel. 10-shot detachable box magazine.  Drilled-out bolt knob, rectangular cocking piece and number 2 fitting detachable bolt head.   On the outer RHS of the action (where the bolt head rests when closed down) is an 1/8″ tall single letter “S” – very hard to fake!  Standard Walnut stock with grasping grooves on the handguard and beech cheekpiece in fine condition. The barrel, bolt with serial number stamped on the back of the handle, receiver, magazine and trigger guard are all in a dark blue finish. The bolt body appears bright from use. The scope is finished in a higher polished blue, with the body marked, “Tel.SEG.No 32 MK3” followed by “OS.2039A CTS No 19248”. The scope mounts are numbered “Z335” and “Z336”. The optics are excellent with the scope body showing light handling wear, the windage and elevation knobs work freely. The top bracket fixing screws all seem to have suffered at the hands of sloppy screwdriver operators and show some damage, but all are secure.  The “CTS” logo on the scope body stands for Cooke, Troughton & Simms, the company who made the scope. The serial number falls neatly into the range of known examples produced by that factory.  The scope comes with a contemporary modern leather lese cover, for both ends.

This excellent example also comes with a very fragile “BOYT .44″ leather sling as marked. The bore is good with strong rifling.  Having measured with bore rifle gauges we know the following:  the first 11″ or so measure at precisely .3030.  As do the last 5” at the muzzle.  The short length of barrel between the fore-end and the mid-band ( externally) release their tight grip on the gauge, meaning there is some wear in that area. This si where we have to make our decision about originality over functionality.  Although a replacement barrel might suit the classic competition shooter it would detract from originality. This rifle is completely original and at this point there is no indication that it will be wanting for accuracy.  .3030 is a tight bore as 303 itself can stretch over a very wide sizes.  It could well prove perfectly accurate – the proof will be in the pudding.  This is a very clean, undisturbed example of a rifle that has a good reputation around the world.  A mainstay of military rifle collecting in good original condition.  A purchase chance that will irritate for a long time if it is missed!

This is the kind of piece a collector or shooter will appreciate equally.

£ 4600.  (SOLD)

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