1890 Magazine Rifle Converted Mk1*

[RobD]

I hope my suggestions aren't too "bleeding obvious", and I may be quite mistaken - but here goes:
- Your MLM 1* was upgraded from the MLM 1 some time after Jan 1892 by changing the sights, but it should still have the 8 round single column magazine, a characteristic bolt, fore-end, brass butt stock disc, swivel arrangement etc. - I imagine your rifle has all these features.
- Your rifle was made by BSA in Sparkbrook, Birmingham, and the London Enfield inspection marks indicate it was checked at Enfield, but I don't know why. You don't indicate whether your rifle is broad-arrow marked, or is unmarked = private purchase - I understand BSA manufactured both military and private purchase MLMs.
- The upgrade from MLE 1 to MLE 1* [which brought with it the loss of the clearing rod on the MLE] dates from Aug 1899. But as far as I am aware, there was no similar military upgrade of the MLM 1* or MLM 11 to remove the clearing rod or change the fore-end.
- Thus I suppose the Sparkbrook-marked fore-end on your MLM would have been fitted in civilian life. Either the rifle was sold out of service [if previously broad arrow marked] or it was a private purchase rifle given a new fore-end, some time after 1899 when clearing rods were out of fashion.

Does that make sense?