SMLE No I Mk III by BSA & Co’ 1913…….SOLD

A Very Fine looking British Short Magazine Lee-Enfield from the First World War

This SMLE is presented in very fine condition.  Chambered in .303 British with a ten-shot detachable magazine.  The rifle is 44″ in overall length.  The barrel is 25″ with a square chamfered muzzle which slightly protrudes from the nose cap.  This looks like it is a replacement South-African barrel.  Certainly the condition of the bore is safely described as “looking unfired.”  The length of the trigger pull is 13.1/8″ to center. Enfield bolt system which cocks on closing.  The cocking piece is the square type as seen on later rifles.

The rifle is fully stocked in a new looking Walnut stock with a high degree of polish to its surface finish.  It certainly does not have the appearance of a rifle that has been dragged through the trenches.  There is a attractive dark figure to the grain of the fore-end.  The brass stock disc in the RHS of the butt is without marks.  Brass butt plate with trap for oil bottles etc,  Two sling swivels and an extra facility for yet another swivel forward of the magazine.  Stacking swivel absent. “Pinched ears” foresight protector with bayonet stud at front with the number “Y 41726” punched into the face of the stud.  The two piece handguard over the barrel extends either side of the rear sights to offer full protection.

The rear sight is non-standard in that it does have a facility for windage adjustment.  This has been fitted from an earlier rifle.  The rear sight is graduated from 200 to 2000 yards.  The wrist socket is marked as follows on the RHS; “Crown over G.R. / B.S.A.& Co. /1913 /SHT. LE / III”  There is no slot for a magazine cut-off.  Loading bridge over the action and a safety catch mounted to the rear LHS of the action.  The receiver ring has multiple markings  including an original number which has been struck out and a replacement number stamped on beneath.  The new number is “Y / 41726”.  On the top flat of the receiver ring are the ->S<-  Sold out of service marks and also of to the LH top quarter of the same is a large “D” with a broad arrow within it.  This is the Australian Federal mark of ownership – a hint to this SMLE’s linage. Disappearing underneath the woodwork are further crossed lance/flag and GR proof marks.

The bolt arm has the same serial number stamped into the rear of the bolt arm.  Wear of the metallic components is mainly restricted to high edge wear with two small “bare patches” either side of the breech ring.  To reiterate, the bore is excellent this should make and very good shooter as assembled.  The rifle comes fitted with a good leather replacement sling in the early British style, it is marked “HGR 1914”.  This SMLE is freshly London proofed and ready to take out to the ranges again – see if you are as good as your forefathers !

 Ask for stock No’  f 627

£ SOLD

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