*** March 2008 Purchases ***

[Badger]

First of a few nice pieces this month...

Australian Experimental SMLE NO 1 MK III Intermediate Length "Shortened & Lightened Rifle" Serial # XP53

PROVENANCE: Stern Collection

They only made 100 of these rifles with a special bayonet having a 10" blade with the standard Pattern 1907 hilt and grips. This bayonet was later adopted for the Owen Machine Carbine. The rifle has the rear sight installed on the back half of the stripper clip guide and has the front end of the rifle shortened to 20”, as well as lightening cuts in the stock.

Reference "The Lee Enfield" by Skennerton (Page 347)

Regards,
Badger