Rarity of 1908 BSA Sparkbrook MkI*.

My local gun shop just got in a 1908 Sparkbrook MkI* LE. CR prefixed, so it's an Irish rifle. Unfortunately some bomehead sportered it at some point, but thankfully the barrel hasn't been molested. Asking $299, can probably be had for less. As I understand it, this is one of the rarer manufacturers. In the learned opinions of those here, is this a rifle worthy of restoration?

---------- Post added at 11:26 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:25 AM ----------

PS, other than the wood, rifle is complete. Charger guide and all.

Do you have the Mark 1*** with an additional serial number with the prefix CR ? The CR prefix can and were updated to Mark 111, that is you could use a Mark 111 fore-end and nose cap and handguards. The ER prefix is closer to original Mark 1***.

Photos: An Enfield 1906 with the G prefix (third serial) and an original Mark 1***Attachment 45183Attachment 45184 BSA 1906

The buttsocket read BSA Sparkbrook MkI*. Was only one star.

---------- Post added at 12:31 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:30 PM ----------

Oh, and yes. Original serial number was lined out, and the new CR number in it's place.

Anzac 15,

I keep a data base of these rifles, could you send me or post the serial number and all markings if possible.

Frederick, I will certainly send the serial if I get this rifle. I'm just trying to determine if BSA Sparkbrook is a rare enough manufacturer to invest money on a restoration. I normally don't mess with sporterized rifles, but if it's a pretty desirable rifle, I may just take the plunge.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Anzac15

I'm just trying to determine if BSA Sparkbrook is a rare enough manufacturer to invest money on a restoration.

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If the right side is actually double marked BSA/Sparkbrook then it is an uncommon one. BSA took over Sparkbrook in 1906 and the dual manufacturer was used during the transition. So yes, the dual marked BSA/Sparkbrook rifles are not common. Unfortunately many, including mine, have been sported. Also, did it have "ConDII" stamped on the left side of the butt socket? I ask because if it is still reading I* on the right side then I would expect it to have that mark on the other, which would add a little to the uniqueness. Talk the price down a ways, it's a nice piece to have and it would be easy to restore since the "CR" rifles should be in Mk III configuration anyway.

At $299 or less, I would go for it. From what you describe, it could be an interesting one.

first photo of a Mark I** IP converted to Mark 111 in 1917Attachment 45186Attachment 45187Attachment 45188Attachment 45189
second photo shows an early action body with the ConD II*

Also I have seen a BSA 1894 II conversion and marked on the left side Enfield 1908 SHT LE
ConD IV barrel was dated 1928

This one is indeed BSA/Sparkbrook marked. No ConD marking. If it's still there Friday, I do believe I'm going to get it.

Not a difficult restoration, be sure and check the barrel for HV or SC markings behind the rear sight, you barrel might not be chambered for the Mark VII but for the Mark VI (my ConD 11* pictured above is for the Mark VI cartridge) you can also look at the rear sight from the side. Also check for a barleycorn front sight too

I think it would be a great buy. Maybe shelve it away as a long term project.

I bought a Mk 1*** just over a year ago. I wasn't sporterized, but it had a Mk III rear sight protector, and a Mk III rear sight. I got really lucky and found the early Mk 1 rear sight and handguard. The handguard I paid a premium for ($150.00). I had to repair the draws of the fore-end, and had to fill in the cuts from the Mk III sight protector. Turned out okay, I always have a hard time matching stain. Got about $800 into it, including the cost of the rifle.

Point is, it was along term resto, and it came together within a year. If you buy it, you might be able to locate the parts quicker than you think. Splicing in a fore-end to the original remnant wouldn't be too hard.

But it and have some fun!

Mark 1 forestock wood is difficult to find as the barrel band screw is in a different location than the later MkIII.

Thanks to Son, I took these photos a few months ago, The ConD II* is for the Mark VI cartridge while the BSA 1906 Mark 1*** is for the Mark VII cartridgeAttachment 45192Attachment 45193

Thanks to everyone for the feedback thus far. Hopefully it will be mine Friday!

A 1908 BSA/SPARKBROOK Mk1* SMLE would indeed be a rifle worthy of restoration, i think 1906 is the only year you would expect to find one so am expecting this to be a 1906.
As for the resto, as it has a CR prefix i would certainly follow any advice on the configuration of the rifle Frederick303 may provide