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Well gentlemen,
You have pushed me off the edge! Although in reality, it didn't take much of a push, more of a slight nudge...
I had been contemplating over which to buy, and your comments helped solidify my decision to buy both. Suffice to say, I did not have to mortgage the dog!
The CLLM came home with me today, as it qualified as an antique. As I peeked under the handguard, I found four serial numbers; two on the barrel and two on the receiver-neither of which match each other. The handguard has a penciled serial number that matches the receiver. The rear sight matches one of the barrel serial numbers, and the bolt is a mis-matched sparkbrook item. Barrel is better than I thought; very shiny with very little wear of the metford-rifling. Very interesting bitser. And from the pics, it has a period correct BSA target sight. Bluing is very deep and shiny, and wood is finely figured.
The last three pics are of the MLE. It is a post 1898 gun, so it has to wait at the shop for 10 days (California wait period). I'll pick it up in a couple of weeks. I did manage to snap some photos of the receiver area of this rifle. When It finally comes home, I'll post more photos.
I am very happy with the purchase. Thanks to all who offered comments.
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The numbers are certainly unusual combinations; not sure what to make of that except the fact that target shooters often paid no attention to such things and swapped parts around as they felt necessary.
The "TG1", "TG2" adn "TG3" stamps are a bit mysterious
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The two serial numbers are actually one serial number, and one register number from the factory who, for a charge of one shilling and sixpence, marked the arm to signify that it had been factory inspected and found to comply to military specs to allow it to be used in service rifle competitions.
These registry numbers are only found on military style private sale arms. The ledger number is usually accompanied by a crowned factory inspector marking, which often misleads some collectors to believe that their commercial arm has seen military service.
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Hello again,
I was able to pick up the other rifle today. It's a beautiful commercial MLE Mk I, but has no safety. The cocking piece is numbered to the rifle, so I'm guessing this was an option offered by BSA (?)
Also, the rear sight (barrel mounted) appears to be a vernier style sight, but I think it might be missing the ventometer. Any ideas as to what type of sight this is? It is unmarked, and I can't find anything resembling it on the web.
When I get it to the range, I'll post some more pics.
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That is a very interesting and unusual barrel sight. I have never seen that model before. Is there a maker's name or mark on it anywhere?
It resembles the service pattern backsight with adjustable windgauge, but larger and with better markings. On the service pattern a pin or piece of wire was inserted to release spring tension and allow the windgauge to be slid left or right.
I believe this sight would have been adjusted with the separate vernier similar to this one:
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...CaaEnWLz-1.jpg
