Here is my only "battle damaged" rifle on a matching SMLE ConD II*.
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Here is my only "battle damaged" rifle on a matching SMLE ConD II*.
Here's mine. Not necessarily battle damaged, but it ended up in French soil for ninety years.
Makes you think.
Cheers,
Matt
Does any one know of a company that sells dug relic weapons or know of a Trip to France? I would love to find a Lee Enfield but I dont think I'll ever get the chance.
If you ever get to Cody Wyoming there is a museum of "Dug Up Guns" I have not seen it but met the owner (he's from the area where I live) and it sounds very interesting. I am not sure of the content but presume (don't assume) it would be alot of non military but still interesting. Also of course is the Buffalo Bill Museum in Cody...take a week to see all of it !
Update on my supposed contribution: Still looking! Found 20 or so nose caps in their appointed proper location and some more on forends in THEIR appointed locale, and some other likely spots. I hope this doesn't turn into "found six months later whilst looking for something else"!
Many years ago I saw a No1 rifle in an Anzac Day display at the Newcastle regional museum. It had been donated locally, and was going to be there for a few weeks.
The rifle had taken a bullet strike in the right side of the action which seriously bent the receiver. The attached information stated which battle (cannot recall, but it was WW1 France or Belgium) and the owner was KIA on his first day. I was back at the Museum the following week with my camera to take some pics, but the rifle was gone. I asked the people where it was, they said it had caused some concern so it was removed and inspected. It still had 9 rounds in the magazine and one up the spout. The cocking piece had dropped part way from cocked, but the bend in the bolt from the bullet strike had bound the firing pin.
They said it had been destroyed. The army had blown it up to make it safe.
Wish I'd had a camera with me on the first visit :banghead:
No nosecap yet. However, I did find this:
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...stuff015-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...stuff019-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...stuff016-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...stuff024-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...stuff022-1.jpg
No metal inbedded, but it looks to have continued in service a bit longer, or it got handled a lot afterwards, and probably any fragments were removed.
Guessing shell burst.
Indian marked, so probably WWII.
There is a Lee Metford MkII for sale on CGN for $1,200.00 that has slight damage from a bullet strike on the barrel the with a great history if anyone is interested. The gun is in Southern Ontario.
Just be VERY aware with such relics Forumers. Buy the rifle and not the story................ Unless they are from a not only reliable, but WELL DOCUMENTED source