A 1908? For real?

The Mark III only went into production at the end of January, 1907, so a 1908 is a really early rifle when you consider quantities.

The Mark III* entered production slowly during the Great War, some plants shifting over as older components ran out. The process started late in 1915 and it was about the middle of 1916 that "factory" Mark III* rifles were being made. The difference involved the removal of the Volley Sights and Cutoff; a proper Mark III has both, a proper Mark III* has none... and there are "transition" rifles. It would be very interesting to see how this one has been done. Any chance for a photo?

ENTIRELY likely that it has been FTRd more than once but, to me, that just adds to the rifle. This one was no wallflower; she danced the whole night, got hauled in for repairs and was ready to do it all again. NICE thing is that the Aussies took good care of the SMLEs and still do; it was never officially obsoleted in Oz. Work will have been done by guys who knew what they were doing.

It's a tough call in some ways. The way prices are in this country right now, she would almost be worth buying just for spares. Your prices on spares are much lower than ours. I do know that if it walked in my front door, likely I would mortgage the cat or something. Important point: will the guy deal? "Three" is much easier to spell than "four", even if it has more letters.

Hope this helps in some way.

Good luck.
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