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I've recently acquired a 1901 Sparkbrook LE Mk I* and was wondering what types of foresight protector are contemporary for them. Would it be a brass type one like you see for the Martini Henry or would I be right in thinking there is a blued metal one that sort of twists to one side similar to the 310 cadet version in construction.
Any information would be gratefully received! Thanks
I've just had a look at a dealer's website who I happened to know has a couple of long Lees for sale and neither of them has a foresight protector fitted. Perhaps long Lees didn't have them or do you have reason to believe your example has had one at one time, hayboy?
They had a spring steel protector that needed to be rotated to uncover the sight but remained on the barrel, this is my one showing it covering the sight, sorry this is the only photo i have at hand that was taken to illustrate something else
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...IMG_0053-1.jpg
The wire breaker perhaps, another scarce piece? I think that one's for a #1 Mk3 though?Quote:
Originally Posted by 5thBatt
Yep, the photo was to illustrate why it could not be used with a P1888 fitted to a Long LeeQuote:
Originally Posted by browningautorifle
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...IMG_0052-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...IMG_0051-1.jpg
Then it would even be scarcer...er...Quote:
Originally Posted by 5thBatt
5th Batt, that is the type I was thinking of that is similar to the 310 cadet protector.
I'm now in the process of trying to hunt one of these down, although I believe they are on a par with rocking horse doo doo..... '
There is one on ebay at the moment. I can PM you the seller if you having problems finding it.Quote:
Originally Posted by hayboy
Thanks for the tip, just found it!
It's a similar idea to what's on my Springfield 1903A1; a kind of after market add on, I guess.
Not really "aftermarket" they did come issued with the gun, and are often seen with the last 3 digits of the rifle serial number.Quote:
Originally Posted by Flying10uk
Mike1967,
It may be just me, but I have never come across a Long Lee sight protector in a photo from the Anglo Boer War [or other Victorian campaigns].
By comparison, even though the issued Boer Mauser sight protectors were lost quickly after issue and are rare, they are seen in many photos; and I have seen a Boer Mauser sight protector which was a battlefield pickup. But I've never come across a long Lee sight protector, not even in a museum display.
Are you certain these were military issue, and not a civilian feature?
Rob
Gday Rob,
I have seen and still have a couple, but never really looked closely for one in pictures, all have had broad arrow marks, i have at least one that is marked SK Sparkbrook. I can imagine them being very easily lost or removed in the field.
Skennerton Pg 91, in the big Lee Enfield book has the drawing as well.
Interesting thing i think its a case again of one item being rare in one part of the world and available in another, i thought i was doing well selling my spares off for 40 bucks each!!
Regards
They would be quite hard to pick out in a photo especially if it was turned to use the sight.Quote:
Originally Posted by RobD
Here's a NZ Maori soldier about to depart for WW1 who has one of these protectors fitted to his Long Lee
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...iSoldier-1.jpg
Attachment 74387
Some front sight protectors from South Africa:
Top: A Mk.I for the early Lee Metfords. Dug up during renovations to the old Johannesburg Drill Hall
Centre; Two of the more commonly encountered versions used with the Magazine Lee Enfields.
Bottom: Issued with the Martini Enfields. Mine are numbered.
Those are very nice...Quote:
Originally Posted by Terrylee