New member with a question - Lee Speed Carbine: Jameson Raid and other questions

[Wallace66]

Acquired a Number 3 trade pattern BSA Lee Speed carbine earlier in the year and trying to piece together the story.

Appears to have been in both Boer and Commonwealth forces (Doyle Scouts) hands, refer to attached photos. There is a slim probability it may have been one of the captured carbines of the Jameson Raid? Serial number 1304.

Have been down the google rabbit hole of investigation regarding the markings on the carbine, with success, but one exception.

The last marking has everyone stumped, the V in the circle on the right hand of breech.

Could this be a mark for Vickers Steel?

Anyone'sAttachment 120996Attachment 120997Attachment 120998Attachment 120999Attachment 121000Attachment 121001Attachment 121002 opinion and any assistance will be greatly appreciated.

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Daan Kemp]

The butt carvings look like multiple owners. At least three different ones.

[superbee]

Super rifle!
I have been collecting lee speeds for a few years now and would love to find a carved one.

Thanks for posting.

[browningautorifle]

Glad someone didn't toss that buttstock along the way. Neat little carbine.

[Wallace66]

Thanks for the comments, if any of you know the answer to the "V" circle proof mark on the left side it would be appreciated.
Additionally, if anyone knows anything about J Kelly, Trooper 2029 0f the Doyle Scouts, 2nd Boer war, it will be of enormous assistance.

[Wallace66]

Apologies if this is the wrong forum.

Acquired a Number 3 trade pattern BSA Lee Speed carbine earlier in the year and trying to piece together the story.

Appears to have been in both Boer and Commonwealth forces (Doyle Scouts) hands, refer to attached photos. There is a slim probability it may have been one of the captured carbines from the Jameson Raid? Serial number 1304.

Have been down the google rabbit hole of investigation regarding the markings on the carbine, with success, but one exception.

The last marking has everyone stumped, the V in the circle on the right hand of breech.

Could this be a mark for Vickers Steel?

[Strangely Brown]

The last marking has everyone stumped, the V in the circle on the right hand of breech.

Could this be a mark for Vickers Steel?

I'm inclined to think it's a W for a cord worn barrel.

Anybody?

[Alan de Enfield]

I'm inclined to think it's a W for a cord worn barrel.

Anybody?

It doesn't look like a W to me - I'd say definitely a V.

[Wallace66]

Strangely Brown,

Yes it is definitely a V in a circle with and E in a circle on the opposite side, refer to additional photo's provided in the thread.

---------- Post added at 04:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:21 PM ----------

smle addict,

6 1899 - month /year of issue from stores
BSA Co - company of manufacture
18 - Rack Number?

[Rowdy]

Interested to see Wallace's trade pattern carbine with the Boer War trophy carvings.
I have a carbine from the same batch but unmodified apart from hard use marks.
It is marked in the usual BSA commercial manner with the serial (475) on the action and barrel (hidden under the wood) and on the rear sight, cocking piece and under the bolt handle.
The butt tang is marked R132 in the same font and the action flat under the bolt is (G)120.
Regards everybody - Rowdy