Matched 1916 RSAF Enfield

I recently added a S.M.L.E. to my WWI collection. I'm mostly into German and American arms, but also have a matched 79 series Savage Enfield #4. I took my time looking for a nice one. As an earlier 1916 production, the rifle still has the early style adjustable windage rear sight and round cocking knob. Original 1916 barrel, original 1917 bayonet and scabbard, original 1916 action cover (AM.E.Co.) unit marked to The Prince of Wales Own North Staffordshire 64th Regiment of Foot, and original 1916 sling (Wrights Ltd.), pull through, and oiler. Stock is in great shape and remarkably mostly free of dings and dents. Bore is very good plus. Old brass script WWII-era American “P” button (police) in stock disc hole made by either Superior Quality or Waterbury.

T

Nice looking rifle...et al...

The 64th Foot eh? That's terminology from a long time ago that was long gone by 1914 in any but sentimental use; Cardwell's reforms wasn't it? Very unpopular change at the time they say.

Very nice rifle. I think the button needs to go.

I should say that button looks like it may have been made to stay judging buy the excess adhesive around it but nice rifle well done they are getting harder and harder to be all matching when you think of an armorer's workshop doing FTR's.

I have a reproduction disc coming from IMA; EFD/LONDON/arrow. I also have a 1916 schilling I could use.

T

Ask them for a couple of new bayonet grip screws too. Your bayonet would never have left an Armourers shop with screws like that. We would dress them off, finish and black - or replace if they were that bad! Incidentally, the serial number of the rifle shouldn't be on the backsight bed either. Bolt, body, barrel (not a requirement on replacement barrels after 8/40), backsight leaf, fore-end and nose cap

And the sides/edge butt plate should always be 1.5mm or so below the level of the wood too. Nice to see a real Armourers butt patch too!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by majspud

I have a reproduction disc coming from IMA

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I'd use the repro disc before a shilling...

I'm planning on the disc, but I liked the idea of "taking the King's Shilling".

T

I got the button out at the cost of an eyeglass screwdriver. I backed it against a flat razor blade so as not to dent the wood. The button was a Waterbury.

T