B.S.A. & Co’ Mk I* Magazine Lee-Enfield Rifle……. (F 1043) SOLD
Created on May 24th 2022
Excellent Mk I* Lee-Enfield by BSA & Co for 1900
In superb condition and built in standard Military specification for the Second Boer War period. Chambered in .303 British with a ten-shot detachable box magazine. Overall these Mk I (Mk I*) rifles are 49.1/2″ in length. The round blued barrel is a full 30″ long with sharp 5-grove LH Enfield rifling. The trigger pull is 13.1/4″ to centre. Two piece Walnut stock with short handguard over barrel. Strong and attractive dark figure to semi-pistol grip butt-stock running its full length. Overall the rifle shows signs of a military life but nothing that detracts from the overall patina or age-built finish that prevails.
The RHS of the butt-socket is marked as follows;- “Victorian cypher/ V.R. / B.S.A.& Co / 1900 / L.E./ I*” All markings are clear and undisturbed. The * as such relates to the change in the nose-cap bayonet fitting and absence of cleaning rod; it has no hole for a cleaning rod as this had now been omitted. The serial number of the rifle is marked on the RHS of the receiver ring; “91949” and the top flat of the barrel knox form is clearly marked with a single “E” denoting Enfield Rifling. The rear face of the bolt arm also carries the matching serial number.
Further indication as to the mark of the rifle is to be found on the LH flat face of the butt-stock with a clear BSA & Co roundel with a War Department arrow within the centre. Beneath that cartouche is a clear “I*”. The butt has a brass butt-plate attached with long upper tang usual used for unit marking but is void apart from another WD arrow and Enfield inspectors mark. The plate is equipped with a butt-trap for cleaning equipment. The action is without a loading bridge and has a shrouded bolt; the shroud is removable. The bolt has the horizontal “D” shaped cocking piece with the safety mounted on the RHS of the same. The action is equipped with a magazine cut-off plate and the bolt removes in the same manner as on the later SMLE.
Serrated trigger with magazine release catch within guard. Standard ladder rear sights, graduated from 300 to 500 on the RHS of the bed and from 6 to 1800 yards on the flip-up ladder. Aiming point is an open “V” in both positions. No windage. Single blade fore-sight mounted on a ramp but slightly to the left to account for the flight and twist in the ballistics produced by the rifle. This Mark I* is also equipped with is long range volley sights, graduated from 1600 to 2800 on the LHS of the rifle. Twin sling swivels and stacking hook. Bayonet mount for the 1888 pattern bayonet.
Condition is excellent in all respects. This rifle is exactly as it should be. Blues are strong and deep with signs of ageing on patches with a the magazine changing to plumb brown because of the handling from sweaty fingers. There is very light high edge wear with wear about the exposed portion of the barrel deriving from bayonet attachment. The bluing upon certain parts just smacks of the high quality job the Victorian gunsmiths were still carrying out on these rifles despite the rigours they were going to go through. This finish is reminiscent of the care taken in finishing the Krag rifles. As we look back with the benefit of hindsight, we draw the conclusion that it was a little to much for a battle rifle, but what we forget is the pride of the weapons manufacturers at all levels and the work ethic that the British Soldiers defending the Empire would not be sent out with anything but the best they could provide. Rightly or wrongly, to defend the British Empire with the best equipment they could provide – and you can feel that when you pick up the rifle and you allow yourself a few quiet moments with the rifle. This was one of the peaks of British engineering and manufacture – a time of extreme pride in the job and the end result. In fact however one views the history, this was the rifle that finally won the Boer War after the unsuccessful first Boer war. They also went on to further service in both following world wars in varying capacities.
Internally the bore is in excellent condition with strong clear, clean, bright rifling with excellent definition. There is no pitting or corrosion and no misting or losses. The bolt face is clear of primer ring pitting and only has a shadow of a ring. Mechanically sound and fully functioning. This is going to make a handsome addition to any Enfield collection and a fine shooter. Emerging from a Gentleman’s UK collection where history and accuracy to the subject was paramount. Proofed on import to UK in 2013 not released to UK market before.
Stock No’ F 1043
£ 1800. (Sold)
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