Help identifying a couple SMLEs

[nukemmc]

I have inherited a couple rifles that I believe are reasonably rare and (hopefully) desirable. I am looking for more info on what they are and current values. While they look rusty, my dad used RIG to preserve a bunch of his rifles. Alas, sometimes what you see is minor surface rust, though.

First is what I believe to be a nice example of a Sht LE Mk1*:












---------- Post added at 08:37 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:28 PM ----------





Second is what is commonly called the No2 MKIV:

Stock repair

Information

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[mr.e moose]

Too bad about the what I would take to be a social security # engraved on it. Most collectors would not even look at this unless it was very rare.

[smle addict]

Nice set of rifles. The first one is indeed an SMLE Mk I*, but it looks like the rear-sight bed has been modified for Mk 7 ammunition (the ramp profile is much lower), thus making it a Mk I***. Unsure of why it was unmarked as a I***, but I'm sure the experts will weigh in soon. Nice that it's all matching, and not "ER" or "CR" prefixed serial numbered (indicating sale to Ireland). I'd do a minimum amount of cleaning. Nice honest rifle.

Ditto with the 22Rf trainer. A little worse for wear, but matching.

Prices vary widely. I picked up a Mk I*** earlier this year for $450. Seen them advertised as high as $1200, but unknown if they sold for that price.

The 22RF's go for about the same depending upon condition. Check on gunbroker as there are two 22No2 Mk4's currently for auction.

Thanks for the pics, welcome to the forum, and enjoy the Enfield "disease", for which there is no cure.

looks like the number on the left side of the receiver is not engraved, but painted on. I'd carefully scrape that off.

[browningautorifle]

the number on the left side of the receiver is not engraved, but painted on

Agreed, it's a stock number of some kind. Not a SS number. Looks like India ink over varnish. I'd try acetone or mineral spirit. Both are very nice rifles.

[5thBatt]

Nice set of rifles. The first one is indeed an SMLE Mk I*, but it looks like the rear-sight bed has been modified for Mk 7 ammunition (the ramp profile is much lower), thus making it a Mk I***. Unsure of why it was unmarked as a I***

When a MkI was converted to MkVII ammo it was not marked as a *** the *** was stamped when a MkI got a blade front sight & the rear sight V notch was changed to a U notch, the rifle above still has a V notch & a barleycorn front sight hence no 3 stars

[nukemmc]

But it does have the HV stamped on the barrel by the sight, which I presume means High Velocity for the 174gr MKVII ammo.

[5thBatt]

But it does have the HV stamped on the barrel by the sight, which I presume means High Velocity for the 174gr MKVII ammo.

& the front volley sight should be marked LES2 the same as a early MkIII thats been converted for MkVII ammo & new made SMLEs MkIII & MkIII*s already sighted for MkVII, no advance in Mk for them either

[nukemmc]

& the front volley sight should be marked LES2 the same as a early MkIII thats been converted for MkVII ammo & new made SMLEs MkIII & MkIII*s already sighted for MkVII, no advance in Mk for them either

And so it does

[nukemmc]

Yep, acetone took it right off.

[englishman_ca]

The hand penned number, being ink on varnish (shellac) was/is typical of how some museums mark their inventory.

As you found out, it wipes away with a little solvent on a rag.