Commercial SMLE - 18126

Hi folks, I’ve bagged this rifle for next to nothing at auction. It’s not in my hands yet but I wanted to try and find a little more out about it. It was (supposedly) made in 1915?? It has a U /|\ stamp so I’m guessing it’s spent some of its life in South Africa. The commercial proof marks intrigue me, I’d love to know it’s story. Thanks for reading!

PS - sorry for the lack of photos at the moment it is all I’ve got to go on right now.

https://flic.kr/p/2oqrb83

DD05993C-AFC9-4F93-B76E-E3F99967AAC1

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Originally Posted by dinosaur1

Hi folks, I’ve bagged this rifle for next to nothing at auction. It’s not in my hands yet but I wanted to try and find a little more out about it. It was (supposedly) made in 1915?? It has a U /|\ stamp so I’m guessing it’s spent some of its life in South Africa. The commercial proof marks intrigue me, I’d love to know it’s story. Thanks for reading!

PS - sorry for the lack of photos at the moment it is all I’ve got to go on right now.

DD05993C-AFC9-4F93-B76E-E3F99967AAC1 | Rob Jones | Flickr

DD05993C-AFC9-4F93-B76E-E3F99967AAC1

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Assuming the 3 small pictures (even enlarged there is no detail) are the only ones it is difficult to pass comment, apart from 'looks nice'.

What are the proof marks that are intriguing you ?

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Originally Posted by Alan de Enfield

Assuming the 3 small pictures (even enlarged there is no detail) are the only ones it is difficult to pass comment, apart from 'looks nice'.

What are the proof marks that are intriguing you ?

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Thanks for the reply. Yes, It does look like an nice gun. I can’t wait to get hold of it. The main thing I’d like to know at this point is the date of its manufacture. I don’t know how easy this is to do with commercial Lee Enfields? I should be able to provide more details when I have the rifle in hand and can check the other markings.

I can help you with the date but need to see good photos of the markings.

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Originally Posted by Jc5

I can help you with the date but need to see good photos of the markings.

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Thank you, once I have the rifle in hand I’ll get some better pictures.