No1 Mk I***

[SpikeDD]

I have had a couple of these over the years and one of which still retained the original butt. It had been relieved to accept the Mk.III rear sling swivel mount but there was a third hole in the center from the original single lug swivel post.

There are many different variations for this conversion and I don't think there was any "set in stone" pattern for said conversions. Some rifles I have noted in the past have had all original Mk.I parts still fitted and only a lining out of the original serial number for a new ER/CR prefix one.

I have observed Mk.I forestocks having been relieved for Mk.III rear sight protectors, retaining the volley sights. I have also observed the volley sight reliefs patched with wood. A couple of examples have retained the original rear handguard, having the integral rear sight protector removed and the Mk.I forestock relived for the MK.III sight protector. I have observed Mk.III forestocks, with volley sights intact, as replacements using the original barley corn nose piece and I am sure we all have seen the retention of the Mk.I rear sight and also the use of the windage adjustable MK.III replacements.

I'm sure the above mentioned is only a small portion of the variables done but it is only what I can speak of from personal contact with them.

A good thread I think

[RCS]

In this photo - I do not think there are two alike. It is interesting that some have the Mark 111 backsight protector and even Mark 111 wood. Attachment 14669

[Son]

Not necessarily MkIII wood either... The foreend I used in the restoration of my MkI*** was a MkI foreend that had been cut to accept the addition of a charger bridge. (I think it was the Navy rifles that had charger bridges fitted- sticking my neck out here and not consulting the book...) The best way to pick is by the inner band cutout in the foreend. If it is directly in line with the outer band, it is MkI. If it is almost an inch back, it is MkIII. Then you have the inner band itself. The MkI inner band is slightly smaller in the bore. The MkIII has "III" stamped into the bottom surface where the screw goes in.

[Bren]

I was getting ready to sell my 1905 Sparkbrook Mk 1+++ but after reading these posts I think I will hang on to it.

[smellie]

Bren: PLEASE post photos!

Army or Navy rifle?

This is the one I hoped would exist but never thought I would actually encounter.

[Bren]

Sorry for the late reply smellie but I do not have a digital camera. The rifle came from the Republic of Ireland and has the ER prefix. Condition is good with dings and dents in the wood and the metal around the receiver is turning a grey colour.

Bren

[Fred G.]

I was getting ready to sell my 1905 Sparkbrook Mk 1+++ but after reading these posts I think I will hang on to it.

I'm curious, how much were you considering asking for your Sparkbrook before you changed your mind about selling it? I've been looking for an early SMLE Mk I*** or however many stars, for some time now but am seeing prices between $800.00 where they actually sell, to $1,100.00 to $1,300.00 dollars where they are priced on Gunbroker but never sell. I've been considering offering my Long Lee Enfiield Mk I* in trade for an early SMLE Mk I, but realize that my model of rifle, being made after May of 1899 (mine is dated 1900 and Marked with Boer War issue date of 1901), and thus without provision for a clearing rod, is the rarer form because of its very limited production before the SMLE came out, therefore more valuable than most other Long Lee's. This would put my rifle's value between $1,500.00 and $1,900.00 I'm told by three differrent collectors of Long Lee's. Even so, I'm wanting an early SMLE bad enough to ignore the difference in collectors value. I've allready got three other long Lee's and want to aquire the other model. So, Just how much are those Early SMLE's worth on the collectors market today? Would I be better off saving up the necessary money for one than trading? Fred











These markings were put on it during WW II


The rifle had been displayed in a military Museum in New Zealand and so had some sort of brass plaque attached with screws over these stamps.