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I was thinking of picking up this Lee Speed Enfield and was wondering how rare they are and what the value is. It is in fantastic condition with matching bolt and receiver numbers. Not sure what the other number under the bolt handle on the top of the receiver is. Kind of cool being the long version instead of the sporter.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Eric
Attachment 58265Attachment 58266Attachment 58267Attachment 58268Attachment 58269Attachment 58270
Not that rare, but very lovely. As for value, I reckon they sell for about 30% more than an SMLE in similar condition. Thus in the UK, would sell for about £600 - £800. If it has a good shooting bore, it's worth more - but it is most unusual to find a really good bore on a long Lee. They are a pleasure to shoot - if the bore is good - but the sights are a bit crude.
I would have no problem spending 1k on it
Something odd going on here with all those file marks:
Attachment 58278
It does look different doesn't it.Attachment 58279
That filing on the wood is unexpected. Also the barrel band just in front of the dial sight is re-blued. Neither are deal-breakers, but both suggest this is not a "sleeper" which has lain untouched waiting to be pciked up by a collector - but a rifle which has already been in the hands of at least one "enthusiast" and is thus being sold for a reason. Often the reason with long Lees is that the barrel is shot out and the rifle can no longer group. I suggest check the bore carefully, and if at all possible try out on the range before buying.
Can we see the detail of the forend at the rear, with the rear volley sight raised?
It would be interesting to see the state of the wood underneath the front volley sight plate as well.
I suspect the forend is one of the later (1920s?) commercial types that had no volley sight inletting.
Why the cocking piece with no safety built in? Was this a commercial Lee Metford originally? If so the wood was probably replaced.
Ridolpho