Bucket List Enfield found and secured

Skennertons's "The Lee-Enfield" and his preceding books have been like the Sears Christmas Wish book of my childhood. When it was released in 2007 I came across some pictures of one of Paul Breakey collection that I would really love to have (p. 157, 584). Well this past week a really close example became available and was purchased. More than I wanted to spend but who doesn't when they collect eh?

Below is a rare SMLE ConD II* converted from a 1896 LMC Mk I. (Paul's is also a 1907 conversion but of a rarer 1901 LMC). SMLE ConD II and II*'s are hard to find but one upgraded from a Metford/Enfield Carbine add's another level of rarity. If there are more out there I would love to see them.

My rifle, unlike Paul's, was then converted to a .22 Short Mk III at Enfield and sent to New Zealand where it was finally upgraded to a .22 Short Mk IV* and marked as, in 1922. I wish it was still a .303 ConD II* or even better would of been a ConD II but until Paul parts with his (hint, hint :bow:) it will have to do.

Very nice indeed. I expect to sell them some day but would prefer to sell all at once to avoid long drawn out selling and dealing with the public.

Was that the one on gunbroker?

Yes it was.

Nice find Lance, I paid a bit OTT for one of my .22,s but the cash was going to a good cause....

I found this about twenty years ago and later talked to the late Skip Stratton about it.
Skip thought this was built on a first variation Mark 1 action body and not a conversion from an early rifle. The barrel is without the HV or SC stampsAttachment 57308Attachment 57309Attachment 57310Attachment 57311Attachment 57312Attachment 57313