Pendulum just behind the barrel band

[Kwasiemoto]

Hello,
I, surprisingly have become a firearms collector. I suppose that is the way of many firearm enthusiast. Had no idea I was becoming one, but after having more firearms then one can practically use, then the name one should consider is< "collector".
I appreciate the appearance of a firearm to it's origin. It conjures up images of the time it was produced, and has a telling story.
My knowledge is limited, mostly to what the internet has to offer.
I have been interested in shooting and collecting since I got my first pellet rifle in third grade for good grades.
I was in the Army from 67 to 70, Currently have a C&R lic, and need a bigger safe.
Currently have an interest in an unusual Enfield that has what appears to be a pendulum just behind the barrel band. Anyone have a nice long interesting story for this one?
I will try and attach photos.

Kwasiemoto

Information

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[Maxwell Smart]

The swivelling device attached to the fore-stock wood behind the barrel band is part of the long-range sight. These were provided to allow troops to fire against area targets at long range using an indirect aiming technique.

The "pendulum" arm was swung around until the pointer was facing the desired range marked on the dial backing plate. This caused the aiming bead to rise up beside the forearm.

I can't quite tell from your photo, but there should be a another piece situated on the left side back near the bolt end of the receiver. This arm pivots on the safety catch, and has an aperture peep hole in the top of it. The aperture arm was lifted up, the soldier looked through the peep to draw a bead on the elevation arm, so lifting the rifle well above the horizontal for long range plunging fire. My understanding is that the fire was done using "volleys" - combined unit single shots as ordered by the commander.

Your rifle looks to be any early model SMLE, with the sliding charger guide.

Later SMLE's had a fixed charger guide, and the long range volley sights were discontinued during later WW1 production.

[Seaspriter]

The Volley sight "dial" indicator means you have an early No1. Enfield from WWI. It's been "sporterized" meaning the front end woodwork has been cut off. But it's worthwhile restoring by splicing on new wood and front nose cap (with screws and springs). All the parts are available through Numrich. If you send some clearer pictures of the receiver, etc. we can tell you more about it's origins (from UK or Australia, etc.)

You must beware, however, that you are in the process of catching "Enfielditis" -- a collectors disease that compels you to buy more versions of this rifle which is rich in history and has so many fascinating dimensions to its restoration that it fills volumes.

Good luck as you begin this journey.

[Ridolpho]

Kwasi: You might be able to find a craftsman that could splice a section back on the front to restore it to its original form. Here is what it looked like (or at least resembled closely).

Ridolpho

[CINDERS]

I think he may be in luck with the rear aperture arm as it appears to be there can just make out the top of in above the groove in the stock directly above the mag release catch.