No4Mk1 SMLE?

[buffdog]

muffett.2008

If you were to refer to the Number 4 Lee Enfield as a SMLE, the immediate wrath of the Regimental Sergeant-Major would decend upon your unworthy head, and you would then learn the history and the difference of these two rifles. An instructional period would be punctuated by being addressed as "You horrible little man, you," and various exercises would be assigned as an incentive to properly learn about these Small Arms systems. Worst of all, was that the RSM now knew YOUR name, and when he had various unpleasant chores that needed performing, guess who was the chosen one. But, after a month or so, during which you alternated between contemplating suicide and transferring to the Artillery so you could drop a 25 pounder into the RSM's privy, (with him in it,), someone else usually found themselves the object of the RSM's attentions, and you were off the hook.

What SMELLIE is referring to is the SMLE Mark IV Converted. This was an upgrade program by Enfield approved in June, 1907 to Convert and Upgrade Mark 2 and Mark 2* Lee Metfords and Mark 1 and Mark 1* Lee Enfield Rifles to the SMLE Mark III standards. They were not converted to Number 4 specifications.

These were known as SMLE Mark 4 Cond. rifles, and are a very scarce collectors rifle. The odds are if you looked at 700 SMLE rifles, you MIGHT find ONE was a SMLE Mark IV Converted. And when you add that mine is Royal Navy marked, it is even more of a gem.

I could show you one of these, but every time I bring it out I am stalked by SMELLIE. It is really distrubing the little old ladies in the Village here. As far as the Arsenic in the Coffee, George, have you checked your Parrot lately. I dumped my coffee in his water dish!

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