MLE I* markings

Markings on the wrist of an MLE

V.R.
ENFIELD
1899
I*
1

Victoria Regina
Enfield factory
made in 1899
I* MLE Mark I without a cleaning rod

What is the '1' mean?

Thanks

Stuart

That "1" denotes a 1st class arm. I have an MLM Mk II that has a "1" below the II mark. Quoted from skennerton:

"...such class marks are commonly found on the Martini rifles and carbines, but much less often on the Lee series." (Skennerton, "the lee enfield story", 1992, page 489)

Thanks, I didn't see that. I skipped that page as it was about roundels and armory marks. So the next question is what is a 1st class arm?

Stuart

My take on that would be an arm that is fit for use at the front line in some cases in the rear they had E Y rifles for an occasion where they were being over run and need the extra fire power from the rear troops most likely cooks, horse attendants, batman's ect those not directly involved at the pointy end, as its no use having a 1st class arm sit in a tent idle when it could be in the hands of a soldier killing the enemy.
Could be wrong have in been in the past.......

The "1" or "2" is commonly stamped on the butt on Sniders, Martini's, and MLM/MLE's- below any applicable model designation. Flygrimm- does your rifle have markings on the butt? The photo shows the butt on my '96 MLE I.

Ridolpho

It's not my rifle, it's for sale on gunbroker.com. My brother was interested in it. The '1' is stamped on the wrist under the I*. I can't tell based on the pictures provided if there is anything stamped on the butt other than a round car-touche like mark on the right side near the rear.

Stuart