Short Magazine Lee-Enfield Rifle Mk I*………….(f 604) SOLD

A Good Representative Example of the S.M.L.E. MkI* by B.S.A.

This is a rifle that appears to have been through different guises during its life-time, not unusual in service life, as armourers are not going to worry about the fine details pertinant to collectors.  They are far more likely to be concerned with how to equip their troops.  We as collectors tend to fuss over details far more than the original users of these weapons.  This rifle is 110 years old, and when used heavily in its early life it would not be surprising if parts were replaced or repaired as required by the army.  It was also important to offer the troops the best one could, especially during conflicts. Then, if improvements came along, parts would be changed as directed from above.  So with this in mind I am going to describe what I see before me.

What we have on offer is an early SMLE Mk I*, dated 1906 and made by BSA & Co.  The overall length is 44.1/2″.  The barrel is a replacement South African produced item with excellent bore and is just over 25″ long.  It currently guages at .302″.  The trigger pull to center is 13.1/4″.  The butt-stock looks to be a replacement but is a good match colour-wise.  It has a very crude thin steel butt-plate, affixed by two screws with no trap for pull-through or oil bottle.  There is a plain brass unit ID disc in the RHS of the butt.  The rear sling swivel is attached by a single screw fixing and there are two plugged holes either side of that point.

Chambered in .303 i has a detachable, ten shot box magazine.  The magazine is correctly marked with a “2” on the lifter and a “3” on the rear of the box.  Enfield bolt system with round headed cocking piece and sliding charger guide attached to the bolt head.  This model of SMLE has half the charging guide as part of the LHS action wall while the other half slides on the bolt head.  The bolt arm has the number “2976” stamped into the rear face.  The serial number of this SMLE is “T 2976” which is recorded on the RHS of the reciver.  The RHS of the wrist socket is marked as follows “Royal Cypher / E.R. / B.S.A.& Co / 1906/ S.HT LE / I * ”  The magazine cut-off fixed to the RHS of the action is of the slightly later variety and functions perfectly.

There are numerous professsional plugs and repairs in the English walnut stock, all hints to the rifles linage.  All the repairs sit nicely beneath the gloss finish which covers over the woodwork’s surface.  As mentioned earlier the butt seems to be a replacement and is fractionally darker in colour than the balance.  The blacking of most of the stock furniture is dark but that could be recent refinish.  The front sight protecctor has the “pinched” ears of the early models but is not serial numbered as usual on the bayonet stud.  Two swing swivels in total and a stacking hook.  The rear sights are graduated for 200 to 2000 yards.  As is correct with the early SMLE rifles this sight is equipped with windage adgustmment.  The rear sight itself is protected by steel ears either side.  Another feature peculiar to the early SMLE’s as a model is the bone stud inserts on the outside of the rear sight slider.  They are hand chequered and help to quickly acquire the elevation.  Behind the rear sight are the upright sight guards which are part of the rear hand-guard.  The rifle has a long range volley sight which comprises of two parts, the dial and pointer at the front, and the apperture at the rear.  The rear apperture arm is mounted at the same point as the safety catch.  There are many Enfield inspection and acceptance stamps all over this rifle which warrant further close inspection.

In general the rifle has the appearance of a well preserved No I*. It has an excellent tight bore and a smooth action.  An opportunity to own and shoot a very early SMLE of smart appearance and an important part of the Enfield story.

Stock No’  f 604

£ 1375.00  (SOLD after changing butt)

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