Lee Enfield Mark III, WWI British Sniper Rifle. - Bolt Action Rifles at GunBroker.com : 884016951
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Interesting. Luke R. Tippins was a school master in Manningtree, Essex, who was a marksman and rifle enthusiast and later became a dealer in firearms, particularly target rifles. He had a son who apparently worked with him and perhaps succeeded him. He was born in 1859 and died in 1940.
The marking on the trigger guard would probably reflect his having sold or set up the rifle.
As for the scope fitting, it's remotely possible that the rifle was one collected or donated for for war use, but more likely it's a "lash-up" assembled for sale as a variety of small dealers in the UK are keen to do; a bit like the K98 "sniper" industry here in North America.
The rifle would have been cheaper than other decently original SMLE's with such engraving, hence its likely selection for this little project.
The photos have been carefully arranged to be just dark enough and out of focus enough to convey the desired impression. :D
There is an obvious lack of wear in certain places it would be on a rifle that had seen any service, that and the protruding solder where the front base bracket joins the sight protector tells enough IMHO. The rust on the scope (make's 'em cheap to buy!) also doesn't match the condition of the rifle or brackets at all.
Over $1.00 a round bid for 303. Winchester should start making the white box 174 military again
I was given a case of it.