Magazine Lee-Enfield Cavalry Carbine Mk I …(F 1045) SOLD
Created on May 25th 2022
Very Fine Mk I Enfield Cavalry Carbine 1898
Built in 1898 an original Mk I Carbine devoid of any later modifications. The cleaning rod has been removed which is correct however, as use of them was stopped in May 1899 – it would be highly unusual to find a Mark I Carbine with its original rod. Chambered in .303 British with a detachable 6-shot box magazine – this example still has its magazine retention link to stop magazine loss. Built on the normal Lee-Enfield action it has a swept forward flat headed bolt, all designed to avoid snagging when in the saddle boot or passing through the thicket.
As a carbine it is shorter by nature, measuring 39.3/4″ in length overall. The round concealed barrel is 20.3/4″ long and the trigger Pull is 13.3/8″ to centre. Two piece walnut stock with short handguard over the barrel but actually fitted in front of the rear sights. Slight crack in timber on RHS of stock, running adjacent to action. (Not showing any signs of movement) The carbine carries the serial number “8325” on the rear flat of the bolt arm. The RHS of the receiver ring and barrel knox form. It also appears on the rear of the flip up ladder sight – therefore fully matching.
The bolt is unusual for Enfields, in that the bolt arm is swept forward and the outer face flattened. It carries all its armoury marks etc on its outer visible face. Standard removable bolt head. The action is fitted with an Enfield magazine cut-off plate and a safety switch to the rear of the horizontal “D”-shaped cocking piece. The bolt also has its shroud intact to protect from dirt and dust. The barrel knox form top flat is marked with a solitary “E” for Enfield rifling. On the LHS of the barrel at the waist line, it is marked with numerous “VR” crossed sceptre inspection and acceptance markings. The upper face of the ladder rear sight sight also carries at least three other markings including a “broad arrow / EFD” stamp.
Superbly marked (on the underside) curved and rounded fore-end cap with small protective ears at nose of rifle. No sling swivels. There is a leather strap made for the job which incorporates two loops, front and rear. These fit at the rear around the pistol grip and to the front around the fore-end and act as a strap. The two screws for the rear sight protector are in position but the leather protector is lost – there are good contemporary reproductions available.
Vacant brass ID disc on RHS flat of butt. Brass butt-plate with trap for cleaning equipment – currently a/f. Adjacent to the ID disc is an “R.M.ENFIELD” cartouche with a I /I” below. The butt-stock is currently damaged in two ways; Firstly it shows a large chip about 1″ plus long and wide of a triangular shape emanating from the butt-plate forwards, this could be battle damage or caused by a drop from saddle height. Whatever caused it, this occurred a long time ago as a natural patina has built up over the surface and the grain has smoothed out through time, it could be repaired but I believe it adds to the story of the carbines life in service – it could have led the the trooper being put on a fizzer, conversely it could be a proud battle scar. The other is deterioration from time, in the form a longitudinal split starting from the butt tang, along the comb of the stock – this could also be professionally repaired at the new owners discretion. Strangely enough one has to look for those wounds, they don’t jump out at you even if you know they are there, despite their size! Inspection stamps on many parts, the LH butt socket being marked clearly;- ” “Royal cypher / V.R. / ENFIELD / 1898 / L.E.C./ I” To distinguish from the Metford carbine; the L.E.C. means simply, Lee Enfield Carbine. The rear sight bed is marked “200 to 500″ on the LHS and the flip-up part is marked from 600 to 2000″ yards. Aiming point is an open V”-notch.”
Property of a Gentleman – ex of a collection. Ready to squirrel away into your own collection. Blues are good all over with strong areas but also wear commensurate with age and use patterns. Woodwork has a pleasing all over shine and depth of patina. A good bore on a collectible carbine – rare by any standards. Proofed and ready to go.
Stock No’ F 1045
£ 2000. SOLD
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