Excellent early No I Mk III S.M.L.E. by Enfield… (F 1081) SOLD
Created on March 25th 2023
WW I Enfield SMLE with Adjustable Parkers sight and Bayonet
This early No I Mk III SMLE has to rank as possibly the best By Sword & Musket has had the pleasure of offering. This single rifle has all of the features hunted for by the serious Enfield collector. Not only is the rifle highly correct it also has provenance and research to be carried out. Condition is excellent for a rifle of this period and more importantly – all original. This rifle is a collectors dream.
Of standard Enfield regulation build and construction, sporting many sought after extras associated with these iconic weapons. Measuring a nominal 44″ in overall length with the classic stubby silhouette of the First World War British rifle. The round fully enclosed barrel is 25″ long and the trigger Pull is 12.34/” to centre. Equipped with a detachable ten-shot box magazine and standard Enfield action. Superb full length Walnut stock showing all the signs of a military life but nothing unpleasant that detracts. A shine that only time can build covers the oiled walnut stock which glows with a rich even colour. All the metal work displays exactly the wear and minor deterioration in blueing strength that one might hope for. Any thinning is repopulated by dark brown hues and plumb browns with minor edge wear – the colours are incredibly strong for an rifle that was produced in 1915 – a mere 108 years ago!
Chambered in .303 British with the serial number “S 8082” on the receiver, the rear sight, and the nose cap bayonet stud. The RHS of the wrist shows the “Royal Cypher over G.R. / ENFIELD / 1915 / SHT LE / III”. The rifle is equipped with the standard Enfield bolt with removable bolt head to allow for changes in head spacing. The rear of the bolt arm is stamped; “87184” with the old style “D” shaped cocking piece. Such a shame the number doesn’t match, but in armourers terms,once replaced with a head-spaced bolt, then job done, crisis averted. A Bolt might fail or be lost for any number of reasons. One of the Gibraltar monkeys might have run off with it when the soldier put it down whilst cleaning – anything could have happened – we just don’t know! But 108 years is a long time for every thing to stay together.
The action is smooth and functions perfectly. There is a safety catch on the rear LHS of the action. The action still has the magazine cut-off device which interrupts feed between the bolt and the magazine. Serrated trigger within trigger guard. Early rear sights with windage adjustment and dished “ear” sight protectors. Graduated from 200 to 2000 yards. Hinged mid barrel band with sling swivel under. Long distance volley sights with pointer, graduated from 1600 to 2800 yards. Front nose cap incorporates pinched fore sight protector ears, bayonet stud and fitting plus forward sling mount. All of the components have Enfield crowned inspectors markings on them – there is nothing from outside of the Enfield plant.
On the RHS of the butt-stock is the brass disc which holds much information. Reading from the top down; “4 / 1897 / 7. R.G.A. 71” Most importantly the “7. RGA ” are the unit marks for Royal Garrison Artillery – Gibraltar, southern section. In terms of military rifle this narrows things down quite considerably. It just might explain its relatively good condition. Brass butt-plate with hatch for cleaning equipment (a/f). Rear sling swivel. The underside of the wrist shows Enfield inspection marks and the serial number “S/8082” is even stamped into the woodwork behind the stacking swivel. Barrel marked “HV” behind rear sight and the rifle is up to full current Nitro proof inspection as marked so.
Mounted on the rear LHS of the action around the safety is another bonus feature on this rifle. The Bisley Works Parker No 5 fully adjustable aperture target sight. It is complete, fully functioning and easy to set up an use. Fully adjustable micro-click movement with graduations, locking facility and multiple adjustable aperture eye-piece. A find in itself ! A very good bore for such a rifle, no obvious pitting or interruption to the twist. Groves are darkening and rifling shows use, edges softening but good for its age as original. “3 15” stamped upon the knox form which can be seen if the rear guard is removed.
To further add to the plethora of positives that this SMLE offers, also offered with the rifle is a very good Pattern 07, SMLE bayonet and scabbard by Wilkinson. Very good is an understatement! It looks like it just been issued from stores, I’m starting to wonder if the previous owner had a time-machine hidden in his conservatory! Perfect edge. Good grips. Clear sharp markings – very clean. Black leather scabbard with correct metal fittings.
Predominately, regular Army units had Enfield built weapons with black bayonet scabbards. The unit marking is correct for a Regular Unit as the RGA. This is an excellent opportunity to add a high condition fully complete military rifle to your collection, which doesn’t come along too often.
FAC required – Stock No’ F 1081
£ 2000. SOLD
Comments Off on Excellent early No I Mk III S.M.L.E. by Enfield… (F 1081) SOLD