1915 Lee Enfield Markings (from a newbie)

[Mully]

I know pretty much nothing about rifles but I picked this one up in a trade. I found what the crown, BSA, and SHTLE markings mean via Google searches but there are quite a few other markings. Can anyone help me identify what the other markings mean?

One odd thing is that 1915 marking looks like it has an L instead of a 1 (19L5). Is that just an accidental mark or does it mean something?

The gun has been sporterized. Any idea what it's worth? (though I'd hang it on my wall before I'd sell it).

Thanks much.
Dave

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[browningautorifle]

The "L" was likely what came to hand when the stamp was gimped and they needed to reinforce the marking. Hard to say if we weren't there but no, it's not a significant thing. The numbers are just serial numbers and the year of re inspecting was 1940. It's sporting cut down so it's not worth much. Welcome to the forum by the way.

[Mully]

Thank you, Jim. What does "cut down" mean? Is it worth trying to find parts to rebuild it closer to original or is that a waste of time, in your opinion?

Also, does the '40 marking mean it was likely reissued during WW2?

I traded some spare Jeep parts that had no value to me as I've always wanted an older rifle.

Thanks again,
Dave

[browningautorifle]

A cut down sporter means the wood and in some cases the barrel has been cut down from original. This one has the original barrel. The parts are somewhat there except the metal parts that were discarded. They're the hard ones to get. The wood should run out to the muzzle too and you'd have to get it. The marking of "40 would mean it had been re-inspected for WW2. There's lots of No1mk3s here on the forum for you to examine to see how much you need to bring it back. If the barrel isn't about perfect it might be a waste. The matching parts help though. Does the bolt match too?

[englishman_ca]

Not so much meaning issued, but the '40 denotes that the barrel is a replacement unit fitted in 1940. The barrel is RSAF Enfield made, so this is likely where the repair was made..

Provided that the metalwork has not been cut or modified, it is a candidate for restoration back to its form when it was in service. Good used parts are still available for this model, not difficult to find on line, although some parts can get pricey, it pays to shop around.

It is likely a WWI used rifle that got refurbished for use in WWII.

[browningautorifle]

Not so much meaning issued

No, just an inspection at that time, or as you say a re-barreling.

[Mully]

A cut down sporter means the wood and in some cases the barrel has been cut down from original. This one has the original barrel. The parts are somewhat there except the metal parts that were discarded. They're the hard ones to get. The wood should run out to the muzzle too and you'd have to get it. The marking of "40 would mean it had been re-inspected for WW2. There's lots of No1mk3s here on the forum for you to examine to see how much you need to bring it back. If the barrel isn't about perfect it might be a waste. The matching parts help though. Does the bolt match too?

I couldn't find any numbers on the bolt but not sure where to look. Does it have to be removed to see it and does it mean anything that there are no numbers? Thanks

---------- Post added at 12:20 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:14 AM ----------

No, just an inspection at that time, or as you say a re-barreling.

Is there a way to distinguish between an inspection, repair, or a re-barrel?

[browningautorifle]

Is there a way to distinguish between an inspection, repair, or a re-barrel?

Not that I am aware.

numbers on the bolt

Are on the back of the bolt handle. If not then it's been replaced and cleaned off. An unmarked from the factory bolt would be very rare. They were marked to keep them together after headspacing.

[englishman_ca]

I think that we might be getting into the weeds here.

The '40 is when the gun was repaired by being rebarreled and then inspected. The marking is a defined SOP.

View marks tend to be when some work was performed. No repair = no inspector sign off, no view mark. If the barrel was not replaced, it would not have that date shown.

Depending on the repair and who did it (factory or unit armourer), there may or not be an inspector mark. Inspection markings tend to be for substantial repairs. With the age of this rifle, it may have had a second barrel change or more. No way to tell.

No number on the bolt tends to make me think that the bolt was changed out by somebody other than an armourer, who would have marked the bolt with the rifle serial number if he was doing his job.

There are new old stock un-numbered bolts floating round on the market. This might be a post service replacement, but no doubt, armourers sometimes missed out renumbering (naughty armourer!). So nobody can say for certain, but I would guess at post service replacement bolt.

Providing that there is even bearing on the locking lugs and headspace is within spec, it is good to go.

These rifles did a lifetime or two of service, and then several more lifetimes in civilian hands. That is a lot of years where the civilian owner could have serviced and repaired it, including replacing a lost bolt.

[browningautorifle]

View marks tend to be when some work was performed. No repair = no inspector sign off, no view mark. If the barrel was not replaced, it would not have that date shown.

There we go then...