Long Lee Prize Rifle by BSA to Royal Warwickshires…….(f 744) SOLD

Excellent Long Lee Prize Rifle by BSA &  Co 

Fine condition, extremely attractively figured Long Lee made by BSA & Co presented as a Prize rifle in 1912.  Chambered in .303 with a ten shot removable box magazine.  Long Lee bolt system with D-shaped cocking piece, serial number on reverse of bolt arm reads “3662”.  Serial number on the receiver ring has extra digits which have been added above and now this has been taken as the serial number. The extra digits were possibly added later to identify some change or addition to the rifle.  It now looks to read “DD56/3113.”

The most noticeable thing about this rifle is the very attractive, highly figured, walnut stock. The main appearance is of a light but mellow coloured timber. However this is highly decorated with chocolatey, dark stripes and swirls.  Also unusual in a military rifle, is the fact that all three main parts of the woodwork match.  The timber blend contrasts handsomely with the deep blued finish of the metal components, which has lasted very well. These rifles saw use through both World Wars by reserve and volunteer services.  Being B.S.A. produced we can be fairly certain that it was ordered and paid for by a Volunteer regiment of the period.  This fact is born out by the silver plaque which is set into the RHS of the butt-stock.

Because the rifle is by a private manufactory, its actual technical description is a little difficult to absolutely pin down. It shows features which were uppermost in the field of rifle production at the time, without having the simple identification marks which would be present on government built examples.  To illustrate this, there is no safety which, in Enfield terms would possibly mean it was a conversion from a Metford but, it does have the charging bridge of a Charger Loading Lee-Enfield, without its’ presence showing any hint of being a conversion.  BSA & Co were producing these rifles as private orders, for Volunteer regiments, that wanted the latest in rifle development.  There are no markings that would have been current at the time, they simply marked them with their company logo.

The rifle itself measures 49.1/4″ in overall length.  The round blued barrel is 30.1/8″ long and the trigger pull is 13.1/4″ to centre.  Bluing is strong all over including the magazine.  Although not numbered, it is a fairly safe bet that this magazine was issued with the rifle.  Reason being that when out of the rifle, the magazine reveals a riveted catch on the RHS top front (this allows the follower to be easily extracted for cleaning) This extra assembly need a relief cut into the magazine opening in one particular place.  This has been done right back in the early manufacturing process.  It is well finished and precise, allowing the magazine to fit in perfectly.  The magazine takes ten rounds alternatively stacked.  Just in front of the magazine is a mid point sling swivel.  The trigger is serrated and the  magazine release is inside the trigger guard to the front.  This rifle is fitted with a charger bridge so the magazine can be loaded from stripper clips from above.  On the LHS of the action wall is a recess for the thumb to allow for the rounds to be pushed home completely.  There is a single digit “2” on the rib of the magazine.

There is no provision on the bolt for a safety catch or on the action.  There is no provision for a dust cover.  The RHS wrist socket is simply marked “B.S.A. & Co’ ”  On the RHS of the action is the magazine cut-off device, which when pushed inwards will only allow the rifle to be used as a single shot weapon.  The receiver ring is marked on the LHS top quarter with a clear government “Crown/BV”  (British Viewing mark) and the words ” FOR / CORDITE / ONLY ”   The gas escape holes are in the same quarter.  The top surface of the receiver is devoid of markings.  The RHS top quarter has a Birmingham View mark and the extended serial number which reads; “DD56 / 3113”  The barrel has the original serial number on the knox form, underneath the short hand-guard.  The appearance of the digits “3113” leads me to conclude that this was the original serial number.  The top flat of the knox form has the three stacked rifles emblem of B.S.A. clearly marked upon it.  The rifle has a good Enfield rifled bore with no perceptible pitting.  5-groove RH twist.

The rear sights are in very good virtually unused condition.  The ramp shows the signs of the sight modification and is graduated on the side from 200 to 500 yards.  When the ladder is in the upright position is can be seen to be graduated from 500 to 1800 yards.  It has delicate but positive adjustment by a wheel on the left and there is a locking wheel on the right.  There is a clear inset silver datum line with graduations on either side for the sight which can be used in both positions.  Sight spring is strong.  Volley sight aperture at rear of action on LHS mated with long range dial pointer on the fore-end – same side.  The rifles mid-band carries the front swivel and the nose-cap provides mounting for the bayonet.  There is no provision for a cleaning rod.  Brass butt-plate with trap for cleaning equipment.  The front sight has ear protectors around it.

To finish of what is really an exceptionally good rifle is the silver plaque mounted on the RHS of the butt.  Made in silver, it reads as follows: “2ND PRIZE GENERAL COMPETITION / 1912 /Presented to the / 5TH & 6TH BATTS. R.WK. REGT / BY THE BIRMINGHAM SMALL ARMS CO. LIMD. / WON BY / LCE. CPL.E.V.LEWIS.”  I was able to confirm that this was in fact the Royal Warwickshire Regiment by looking at the proof marks for the silversmith who produced the plaque.  The markings are as follows; “V&S – Anchor – Lion – gothic M”  Vaughton & sons were a Birmingham Silversmiths company founded in 1812.  The gothic M is the code for the year for 1911.  In days gone by the client would not travel far for a small job like this one, they would source it locally.

With this rifle comes history, quality and further researchable areas of interest.  Very shoot-able and in fine condition, apart from being an extremely attractive looking piece.  Nitro proofed and ready to help you win further competitions – a rare opportunity to add a prize rifle to your collection.

Please ask for Stock No’  f 744

£ SOLD

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