Enfield SMLE Mk1*** Question

Hoping to get some info on a rifle I acquired a while back. Its an SMLE Mk1*** dated 1903, with additional date stamps of '04, '05, '06 and '07 on the wrist band. Bore looks great, seems to be all there as far as original equipment except that the mag cut-off has been removed. Also appears that it has been refinished by either an arsenal or a previous owner. Have read that there were less than 1,000 of these made in '03 but not much else.

Can't find any others like it listed anywhere, was wondering what the value of something like this would be. Also, is it safe to shoot mil-surp .303 ammo in it?

Appreciate any & all comments. Thanks, --728shooter

The exact number of SMLE Mark I's produced by Enfield in 1903 is unknown but I can tell you it is at least 2,500. Most were upgraded throughout their service life, many like yours to an SMLE Mark I***. Value depends on condition as the Mark I*** is the most common early SMLE model. If it has been refinished post service its value will most likely be dictated by its shooting ability and yes, it is ok for commercial or Mark VII ammunition. Posting pictures of your rifle will help. Happy holidays!

The taxpayers got their money's worth from that one.

My Enfield 1903 went to India where it was updated in 1914Attachment 113483Attachment 113484Attachment 113485

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Originally Posted by Lance

The exact number of SMLE Mark I's produced by Enfield in 1903 is unknown but I can tell you it is at least 2,500. Most were upgraded throughout their service life, many like yours to an SMLE Mark I***. Value depends on condition as the Mark I*** is the most common early SMLE model. If it has been refinished post service its value will most likely be dictated by its shooting ability and yes, it is ok for commercial or Mark VII ammunition. Posting pictures of your rifle will help. Happy holidays!

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Not 1903 alone :

Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield
1903 to 1907 Mk 1 and Mk 1* 193,644

Royal Small Arms Factory, Sparkbrook
1903 to 1906 Mk 1 14,640

Birmingham Small Arms Company (BSA)
1903 to 1906 MK 1 and Mk 1* 150,000

London Small Arms Company (LSA)
1903 to 1906 Mk 1 and Mk 1* 65,000

Ishapore Rifle Company (India)
1906 to 1909 Mk 1* 3,000

Not sure where mine was made, under the crown its stamped E.R. Can I assume that this was made at the Enfield factory? Also, the serial number on it is 7449 (no prefix).

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Originally Posted by 728shooter

Not sure where mine was made, under the crown its stamped E.R. Can I assume that this was made at the Enfield factory? Also, the serial number on it is 7449 (no prefix).

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ER is "Edward Rex" (King Edward VII)

Reigned 1901 (after the death of his mother Queen Victoria) until 1910 (when he died).