Sniper T

For sale on usedguns.com.au.
Perhaps the serial can be tracked if it is not already in the system here $7k plus the transit case (If original) is not a bad price but as always it all depends on the condition of the barrel and H/s among other things.
Not that it means much but that rig sports at No.2 bolt head where as mine has a "0" just something that would make me take a bit more of a detailed look probably not right thinking that way but thats what I would do.

The advert,

Calibre/Item: 303
Make: BSA Shirley
Model: No.4 Mk.1 T
Action: Bolt
Scope: No.32
Serial No: A7179
Condition: Good
Price: $7000
Advertised: 21/02/2018
Licence number:
Phone: 02 4988 7283
Comment: BSA Shirley. No.4 Mk.I T Sniper. Marked "S51" on the underside of the butt, which designates it as a Holland & Holland sniper conversion. The left side of the butt socket has "M47C" "1943" "A7179" "TR" markings. The bolt has "AT7179" stamped on the rear of the handle, bolt head is stamped "2". Safety is stamped "B".
Scope is in original condition, stamped with "TEL SIGHTING" "No.32 Mk.II" "OS 1650A" "1944 No.15228.
We had this rifle inspected/authenticated by Ian Skennerton in 2016.
Rifle also comes in original period correct wooden crate. This rifle has been used in some earlier Australian shows and films by a previous theatrical armorer.
Also has the original rear sight and original leather sling present in crate. Cheek piece is original and firm.
THIS RIFLE IS ORIGINAL, NOT A REBUILD OR REFURBISHED.

Lengthy description, but no indication of whether the scope matches the rifle, which, of course , everyone wants to know before they shell out that kind of money.

And no mention of 'T' stamped on left side of action body or small 'S' on right side of body. Maybe a typo but bolt has AT letter prefix, action only A. Mk 1 eyeball inspection would be prudent for that sort of coin.

The thing that got me apart from no mention of what you chaps said is why Ian Skennerton did not say the scope was matched to the rifle or at least say that the scopes serial was stamped on the butt wrist.

If Ian was asked to do anything like that, ie (Inspected/Authenticated) he would have done the full monty and not put his name to anything otherwise. Almost like saying buy it its real ;)

I have a pair of Montgomery's issue underpants and he's authenticated them, as easy as that, amazing what a line of print will do isn't it on a potential sale:lol:

It would be interesting to see if the vendor has any written feedback/correspondence from Mr Skennerton re - his inspection/authentication - of the particular item. But given the way these items and anything related (banged up No32's etc) seem to sell very quickly and for high $ (especially from that particular online site) i would say it will be purchased quickly by someone who will then have to see if they did good or not

Knowing Ian, he would not lend himself to an adhoc No4T advertised like this with his name stuck on it as if it was 100%, nor would the rest of us in the same position.

Perhaps my post came across wrong - Without doubt Mr Skennertons knowledge is beyond reproach, and of course he would only endorse correct items - i meant it would be great if the vendor was able to supply such a a valuable authentication to potential purchasers - and perhaps they may to serious buyers