Army & Navy Cased High Quality Classic Lee Speed Sporter by London Small Arms Company. (f 371)….SOLD

An Fine early Lee Speed Rifle by The London Small Arms Co’ Ltd and Retailed by The Army & Navy Co-operative  Society Ltd.

Not a rifle I would normally be attracted to but the build quality and finish of this excellent Sporter can not be denied. This was originally a Lee Speed military rifle built by the London Small Arms Company.  They have taken the basic .303 action and improved upon its excellent quality.  It now has an “LSA” marked barrel with a “Schnabel” type muzzle and a protected white tipped bead fore-sight.

The rifle is serial number “4689” This number or parts of it are repeated on the breech, the bolt handle, the rear of the action and the interchangeable bolt head.  The rifle is 44″ in overall length.  The round blued barrel is 24″ in length. length of pull is 14/1/2″.  It has a detachable 5 shot magazine retained by a  short silvered chain.

 Most noticeably, the rifle has been restocked with a half length sporting stock.  It is a select, highly figured walnut example with a steel butt-plate.  the butt-plate is finely fitted with a concave pointed small upper tang.  Centrally placed on the contact face is a cleaning trap with a period pull through and brass oil bottle, as per the military rifle. This allows access to the stock bolt.  The butt stock is a finely checkered  pistol grip type with dark horn capped base.  The horn is repeated on the nose of the for-end.  To aid grip the for-end is also finely checkered.  Wood to metal fit all around is excellent.   There is a silver inlaid oval behind the sling mount on the underside of the butt-stock, which clearly has the initials “R.B” engraved upon it.  Altogether, this is a very attractive stock.  Very much like a high quality piece of antique furniture.  the number “127” is stamped into the underside of the stock,  just behind the pistol grip cap.

The action, barrel and remainder of the rifle are blued.  Its looks to be restored as the is some small amount of pitting along the underside of the barrel in places, which been finished over.  Otherwise the bluing is strong with no real weak spots.  There is minor high edge wear in places but nothing detracts from the feel of the weapon.  This finish may be the original conversion finish.  The rifle has retained the original safety catch and loading bridge, so can be loaded by five shot clip. ( some of  which have been retained in the smaller cardboard box in the case. )  The loading bridge has been checkered with an superbly executed regular pattern to reduce glare.   The cocking piece is the original “D” shaped component and the bolt the half-profile type, reminiscent of the early carbines.  The initials of the London Small Arms Company are on the RHS of the wrist strap.

The top of the barrel is exposed for its entire length with no hand-guard.  The original sight mount is still in position but with flip-up leaf sights, ladder and v-type fixed sight as options to use over differing distances.  Starting at 100 yards is the fixed V-sight, which is marked thus.  behind that are flip up leaf sights graduated at 200 and 500 yards.  behind that still is a simple ladder type sight which functions from 375 yards to 1000.  For the average bod the rifle comes up beautifully and the sights are in position with little effort.  The breech is marked with government viewing and proof marks from the turn of the last century.  It also carries discreetly more modern “NP” nitro marks.

Also worth mentioning the rifle has retained the original magazine cut-off device.  The forward sling mounting ring is positioned 8.3/8″ from the muzzle.  The barrel of the bolt is polished steel with blued cocking piece, locking lug and handle.  The chamber and bore of this fine old girl are clean and free from problems ( to the naked eye )  The bore and rifling are strong and clear, it is doubtful as to whether this barrel has had nearly as much use as its old military counterpart.

The Leather Case.

Offered with this rifle is its leather covered green baize lined hard case.  Measuring 46.1/2″ in overall length by  7.3/8″ wide by 3.3/4″ deep.  In fine condition with a light tan coloured leather, stitched in white.  Externally fastened by two inch wide straps and a brass lockable catch (key A/F).  Internally the case is lined with its original green baize lining, showing the correct contact wear for this rifle and other components.  The leather on the outside is in good condition with no drastic damage.  Centrally on top of the lid are the owners initials “R.F.G.B.”  as mentioned earlier corresponding with the initials on the silver escutcheon. Investigations have proved fruitless as the records office is aware of a loss of records from that exact serial number / period.   The  box is compartmentalised  with baize covered divisions for the various things carried.  There is a strong.

Within the case is a period adjustable leather sling.  It is has a checkered patterned outer face and is similar to the K98 military sling just bigger/wider.  There is a period brass topped cleaning rod which is retained by a swiveling keeper on the front inner side.  Attached to the base of the case is a leather buckled strap which is replacement to retain the rifle safely in transit.  It fastens around the wrist of the butt-stock holding the weapon securely in the case.  Within one of the smaller compartments is an original period pewter /silver oil bottle. Being square with the initials “A & N. C.L.”   Also included are a period 50 round cardboard box by KYNOCH, marked on the top “KYNOCH / CARTRIDGES S.A. BALL / .303″ MARK 7 / CORDITE”  internally it retains its cardboard divisions.  Also a smaller box containing three Mk 4 stripper clips.  It is also a “KYNOCH” box for 10 rounds.

The original trade label is fixed to the inside of the lid.  It displays good contact marks and oils staining from the contents of the case.  The label measures 7.1/2″ by 3.1/2″  It has a wide floral border and within the words, “Army & Navy Co-operative Society Ld., / No 8, GUN AND SPORTING DEPARTMENT / 105 Victoria Street, Westminster, London, S.W.”  An remains of an old railway label is fixed to underside of the case.

This is a great opportunity to purchase a piece of history with further investigations pending, which, you can carry out yourself as part of the joy of owning such a piece.  An excellent and highly usable addition to any Sporting Rifle collection.

Stock No’  f 371sor.

 £ 2950……SOLD

Comments Off on Army & Navy Cased High Quality Classic Lee Speed Sporter by London Small Arms Company. (f 371)….SOLD