LE I again (Long Lee)

I have more questions on the rifle (I did buy it). I know nothing about these Long Enfields and little about the SMLE, altho I own 3 of those, 2 Irag contracts and a 1918 dated Canadian marked. My interest is Mauser's altho I have examples of military rifles from many countries.

1. On left of reciever ring it is stamped V.S.M. (above) 1000 (above) CLLE (above) I* What does this mean? Has it been up-grade to a I*.

2. only have a small booklet on these rifles, not much detail. It says I* is just no rod or groove in stock. Mine has no rod but groove is still there. Should it have a rod?

3. Most parts are stamped with E.F.D. Inspection stamp?

4. It has a screw on front sight wing protector. Was this an accessory or standard for these rifles?

5. T.G. has no ears for a sling loop. Should it have ?

Thank you for any and all info you guys can provide. John: I sent a private message to you on our acquitance of many years ago, did you get it? Also brief answer in my first post 'Long Enfield' below.

If the screw wasn't there, how would the front sight protector stay on?;)
Both of mine have that screw.

I only meant that the protector was held on by a screw, not intrical with the sight.

The 1000 that you see is actually another date. Look closely. The date that the rifle was converted from a Magazine Lee Enflield (MLE Mk I*) to a Charger Loading Lee Enfiled (CLLE) at VIckers Machinegun Co. I have two with 1908 on them. The rod was removed as per orders when all cleaning rods or Clearing rods as the were later refered as, were removed from those models that had them. After May of 1899, no rifles were poduced with provisions for rods (the Grooves in the stocks or the rod entry holes in the bayonet lug.) The date of manufacture of your rifle is under the bolt handle on the wrist plate. This rifle is sighted for the Mk VII amunition that all SMLE's used.