The serial numbers on my 1889 Lee Metford MkI are only visible when the fore-end is removed, was this common on the Early Metfords?
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The serial numbers on my 1889 Lee Metford MkI are only visible when the fore-end is removed, was this common on the Early Metfords?
They obviously didn't do a weekly arms check by serial number then!
I would guess that it's pretty common...I don't have a MkI in the stable, but it's that way on my Martinis. Probably a bit of a holdover. The older stuff tended to have everything but the proof & inspection marks under the wood.
My Enfield 1890 Mk 1* has a four digit serial number visible on the right hand side of the
action barrel ring with matching number on the barrel hidden under the top wood.
In the same way and place as Mk 3's. No letter prefix or suffix.
I'd love to see the complete rifle.
Seeking Sportco/Omark 44 S/N info.
That too...Quote:
Originally Posted by muffett.2008
I will get some pictures later, it is matching & original with a mint bore, most of the blueing is intact, I have cleaned most of the old storage grease off but have stopped at that, becasue I dont want it to look over cleaned & loose the patina.
The original sight is a bit strange because it looks like the element is missing when you shoot it.
Simon, a MLM Mk1 (no star) - that's very rare indeed!
I seem to remember that rifles were numbered several months in advance, (hence the occasional 1902 dated rifle with a Victorian crown), so an 1889 rifle was possibly made in 1888.
I think a detailed picture series for the Knowledge Library is called for... woul the Moderators agree?
What is the history behind this? It's not one from Nepal, is it?
There is a nice example on gunstar at present,
Second hand Enfield lee Metford mk 1 .303 British Rifle for sale | GunStar.
RobQuote:
Originally Posted by RobD
Not sure of its History, I took it in a while ago as a Part-Ex.
When I cleaned the hardened grease in the trap, the original oil bottle was still in there.
Bigduke, I suspect that rifle on Gunstar is a MLM 1* - as almost all of them are - and hence has the barleycorn front sight. Simon's has the notched front sight.
Wow, that IS early and unaltered!
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The rifle on Gunstar appears to have both the stacking and the sling swivel on the front band. It also has a rod inder the barrrel. Has it the early dustcover retaining screws like the early rifles? I can't tell. Maybe it IS all early too?
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If it's early, it probably is easily worth the $2,352.00 U.S that they're asking for it.
What model of oil bottle?Quote:
Originally Posted by Simon P
Its a MkII Oil bottle approx 3.750" long, oval base & a Knob type top. "X" maked for LSA manufacture.
This is a very early production Mk 1, the master serial no. was applied to the barrel, and when the barrel was mated to the receiver, after 2nd proof firing, this serial number was applied to receiver, and bolt, and the last 2 digits of the year (1889) were stamped on the bottom of the barrel. the serial no. stamped below the woodwork is a follow on from the Martini rifles. Only a small number of pre-production models were dated 1888, mass production began in 1889. This is the first example I have seen with the serial number in this position. It sounds as if it retains its original Lewes sights.
Just have to ask. Would you care to sell it at a good profit?
Just curious but would Simon's rifle be able to be sent to the Fred in the US directly as an antique if he did sell it to Fred, or is it classified different in Britain and would need an importer to do it? Ray
Fred it has taken me a few years to get an original MkI, so I will hold on to this one for a while...:dancingbanana:Quote:
Originally Posted by Fred G.
:D I'm Green with Envy! Well Congradulations :beerchug: anyway for finding such a teasure! :thup: :cheers:
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Just to know what it would take if I bought such a rifle from Fulton, what would I have to do to have one shipped to my house or FFL dealer?Quote:
Originally Posted by rayg
Is there such a thing as an antigue over ther even? Here is the US, for those in the UK or not in the know. A rifle made in 1898 or before is classed as an antique and NOT a firearm. There are zero restriction on ownership or shipping. As an example I was able to walk into a store and buy my 1898 winchester model 1895 in 303 british and walk out with it there and then like it was a pound of apples.
This may help what we can buy or hold with no certificate,Quote:
Originally Posted by newcastle
SECTION 58(2)” – text copied from Chapter 8 of the Home Office Manual of Guidance:
“Section 58(2) of the 1968 Act exempts from the provisions of the Act – including certificate controls under sections 1 and 2 and prohibition under section 5 – all antique firearms which are sold, transferred, purchased, acquired or possessed as curiosities or ornaments.”
The term “Antique firearm” is, as yet, undefined in law but the Guidance makes it clear that IF the item is “used” then the exemption cannot be claimed and the firearm MUST be certificated.
There is a rebuttal presumption that ammunition should not be held, which creates a problem for the collector of both Firearms AND Ammunition. The Home Office provides a list of “obsolete chamberings” (Appendix 5 of the “Guidance”) to assist the Collector and the Police.
Although the letter of the law does not prohibit the possession of the component of ammunition for s.58(2) firearms, or equipment to assemble such ammunition, such possession puts at risk the whole concept.
The obsolete chambering or cartriges applies to ammunition that can not be bought off the shelf, a good example of this is the P13.