Enfield identification

Gentlemen,

I have a friend who asked me a few questions about a rifle chambered in British .303 that he received from his wife's grandfather before he passed. As the story goes, it was brought back from WWII.

I have a M1 and a M1 carbine, but I know very little about other rifles, so when I was browsing your forum, I soon realized that someone here was sure to know what and where this particular rifle came from. I'd really appreciate the help.

The rifle is marked B.S.A Co and 1917. "England" is stamped next to what I'm assuming is the serial number, 80103. It is stamped with a crown, "SHT L.E." and the roman numeral "III" next to that with a six sided star.

The pictures weren't taken with a great camera, but I'll post what he sent me. I'm sure that you guys can decipher them much better than I could reading through internet links.

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...DSCN0198-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...DSCN0201-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...DSCN0202-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...DSCN0204-1.jpg

Thanks again for the help. I'm hoping to shed some light for him so that this family heirloom can be handed down with all the right information to his son someday.

Josh

It is a Short Magazine Lee Enfield Mk.III* (or Rifle No.1 Mk.III*) made by the BSA company in Birmingham, England in 1917. I would take the "As the story goes, it was brought back from WWII." with a pinch of salt as it has clearly been officially imported in the USA (The England mark.) Additionally, had some one "brought it back" they would have been bringing back stolen property.

It has been sporterised, almost certainly in the US at some point after its importation.

Thanks. After hunting around the forum for a bit, I had come to the same conclusion.

Is there somewhere I can go to find out what all the little stamps and marks mean?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by redheep

Is there somewhere I can go to find out what all the little stamps and marks mean?

---

You could do worse than posting them here.

Strange that it has a windage adjustable rear site.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by redheep

Is there somewhere I can go to find out what all the little stamps and marks mean?

---

Here's a link that will help with official markings. :thup:

It's a site provided by Amatikulu with some good information to bookmark for the future.

Lee Enfield Rifle Markings (click here)

Regards,
Doug

Neil,
I have two 1917 dated RSAF Enfield MkIII * rifles with windage backsights renumbered to match. From the looks of them, I would say it was an official installation.
-----krinko

Is that a marking on the buttstock? (Top photo)

also check out enfield resource.com

Although yours is no longer in military clothes, it looks like a nicely done sporter and would shoot well I bet, and in addition, if you value the family connection, enfields lend them selves to restoration to stock quite well and quite affordably, so there's another option.

thanks for the pics