British S.M.L.E. pre’ WWI Service Rifle (f 503) SOLD

A very usable and rare pre’ WW1 S.M.L.E. No I Mk III British Service Rifle 

A good, early Short Magazine Lee-Enfield rifle chambered in .303.  These rifles are instantly recognisable for their classic blunt nosed profile.  Normally associated with the long 1907 pattern bayonet and a flat Tommy’s helmet.  Although produced in huge quantities not an awful lot of the early unconverted examples still exist or are even usable, as this one is.  On RHS  of the wrist are fine markings giving a clear date of production, reading from the top as follows;  “The Kings crown /  E.R / ENFIELD / 1910 /SHT L.E. / III” then beneath that added later; “F broad arrow W / 12″  The ER refers to Edward VII who was king from 1901 to 1910 – it is therefor reasonable to assume that this rifle was produced sometime between January and May 1910 as Edward departed this mortal coil in May of that year.  The F W underneath, is as of this moment an unknown.

The rifle carries the matching serial number of “M 4720” on the receiver RHS, the rear of the bolt arm, the underside of the rear sight ramp and on the bayonet nose stud.  It is fully stocked in walnut – all the pieces are matching in tone and finish.  The very front of the upper hand-guard has a gouge running horizontally rearward in the wood that is fairly deep but has not compromised the integrity of the item.  The butt-stock has an Enfield inspectors stamp just behind the trigger-guard.  A large “L” under the semi-pistol grip and rack number “36” on the toe of the butt.  The walnut butt is fitted with a thick brass butt-plate with trap for cleaning equipment, within which is the brass oil bottle. (Enfield inspected)

The bolt has a “D” shaped cocking piece with a clear crows foot arrow and Enfield inspectors mark on the lower portion.  The action is still equipped with the magazine cut-out mounted in front of the loading bridge.  The safety is the normal MK III style catch and mounted behind it is the aperture piece for the long range volley sights.  The stock is correctly let-in for this item when it is in its stowed forward position.  The rear aperture corresponds with the front dial and pointer portion of the volley sight which is inlet into the for-end of the rifle.  The volley sight is graduated from 1500 to 2600 yards.  Both components function well.

The rifle measures 44.1/2″ in length.  The round barrel is 25.1/8″ long and the trigger pull is 13.1/2″ long.  On removal of the rear hand guard during stripping and cleaning is was found that the rifle has a South African barrel, possibly fitted in the 50’s.  The rear sight is graduated from 200 to 2000 yards and is equipped with windage adjustment.  The reverse face of the rear sight has a cleverly cross-hatched surface and vertical central line to aid with aim and cut down the glare. This kind of detail was not to be included on military arms from this period henceforth.  The rear sight protectors are the correct dished type.  This SMLE has a standard detachable 10 shot magazine and two sling swivels and a stacking swivel.  Bayonet fitting on the underside of the front cap which has the sight protector ears on top.

This is an opportunity to own an early SMLE, with a very good, fairly new South African barrel to assure good results on the range.  A piece of solidly built British Edwardian history. Who could have guessed what horrors were about to engulf the world, and what part of that hell would this rifle would pass through.  All you can do now is look after it – after all, it has survived thus far, which in itself, is quite an achievement.

Stock No’  f 503

£ 1175. (SOLD)

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