WW 1 British SMLE No I Mk III by B.S.A. ………..(F 963) SOLD

Early SMLE by B.S.A. & co with early features

Built by the private contractor to the Government, B.S.A. & Co before all the changes of the Mk III * were adopted.  The rifle displays some early war features found on the Mk III consisting of a flattening in the for-end for the dial component of the long range volley sight.  The rear sight is equipped with windage adjustment and the action still has the magazine cut-of facility. Enfield turn bolt system with early “D” shaped cocking piece.

The rifle is chambered in .303 with a ten-shot, detachable box magazine.  Fully stocked with characteristic flat nosed fore-end cap, so recognisable on the WW I British rifles.  Over all the rifle measures 44.1/2″ in length.  The enclosed barrel is 25.1/2″ in length and the trigger Pull  is 13.1/4″ to centre.  The matching serial number is “28335”  but, there is another number present – meaning is unknown.  It is clearly marked on the receiver and is “222 E.”  The serial number is repeated on the rear of the bolt arm.  All these numbers are very clear and there is no sight of tampering with – they are original. On removal of the rear hand guard the serial number is clearly repeated on the RHS of the barrel,  as is the “222 E”. Bolt head marked “U”.  The top flat of the barrel knox form clearly shows the staked rifles of the B.S.A. logo.  This has been over-stamped with, possibly the “AGP” logo over “BALL / BURNISHED” referring to the finishing process.  Other marking upon the receiver are mainly proof and viewing marks of the time.  The crown of the muzzle is flat in profile.  Safety catch to rear LHS of action.

The RHS of the wrist socket is marked “B.S.A.Co”  Most notable is the magazine cut-of which is located within the RHS of the action body, which is full functioning.  Magazine release catch and serrated trigger within steel trigger guard.   The rear tangent sights are mounted within protective steel ears. They are quipped with windage,  having a finely adjustable scale to enable adjustment of the same. The slide is also capable of fine adjustment by a knurled wheel on the RHS of the component.  The ladder is graduated from 200 to 2000 yards and the aiming point being a fine machined “U” type aperture with a centre line on top and rear surfaces.  The underside of the ladder bears the serial matching number. Underneath the sight the barrel is marked “H.V. / S.C.”  Hinged mid-band.  Front sights protected by pinched steel “ears”.  Front nose-cap also has the bayonet lug under.

The walnut stocks over the whole of the rifle match exactly in colour, grain and tone.  They also bear a fine gloss finish.  There are no splits and hardly any sign of a hard military life. A possible hint of Australian ownership is seen underneath the wrist, in the stock in the form of two, possibly three very small Star cartouches.  These could be early Lithgow stampings – however that could only be relevant to the woodwork.  There is a brass butt-plate with trap for cleaning components (a/f).  Twin sling swivels and a vacant bras disk in the RHS of the butt.  Blueing over the majority of the weapon is very strong and appears original. There are four tiny holes drilled in the top of the action and loading bridge suggesting the fitting of a scope mount, these have been professionally blocked and staked, then re-blued and are hardly noticeable. The rifle is mechanically fine.  The bore is very very good with a strong, clean 5-grove bore, uninterrupted rifling.  No pitting or misting.  Recently CIP proofed.

Stock No’ F 963

 £ 1200.  (SOLD)

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