Lee Metford MkI

[Simon P]

The serial numbers on my 1889 Lee Metford MkI are only visible when the fore-end is removed, was this common on the Early Metfords?

Information

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[Peter Laidler]

They obviously didn't do a weekly arms check by serial number then!

[jrhead75]

I would guess that it's pretty common...I don't have a MkI in the stable, but it's that way on my Martinis. Probably a bit of a holdover. The older stuff tended to have everything but the proof & inspection marks under the wood.

[303 Collector]

My Enfield 1890 Mk 1* has a four digit serial number visible on the right hand side of the
action barrel ring with matching number on the barrel hidden under the top wood.
In the same way and place as Mk 3's. No letter prefix or suffix.

[muffett.2008]

I'd love to see the complete rifle.



Seeking Sportco/Omark 44 S/N info.

[jrhead75]

I'd love to see the complete rifle.

That too...

[Simon P]

I will get some pictures later, it is matching & original with a mint bore, most of the blueing is intact, I have cleaned most of the old storage grease off but have stopped at that, becasue I dont want it to look over cleaned & loose the patina.

The original sight is a bit strange because it looks like the element is missing when you shoot it.

[RobD]

Simon, a MLM Mk1 (no star) - that's very rare indeed!
I seem to remember that rifles were numbered several months in advance, (hence the occasional 1902 dated rifle with a Victorian crown), so an 1889 rifle was possibly made in 1888.
I think a detailed picture series for the Knowledge Library is called for... woul the Moderators agree?
What is the history behind this? It's not one from Nepal, is it?

[bigduke6]

There is a nice example on gunstar at present,

Second hand Enfield lee Metford mk 1 .303 British Rifle for sale | GunStar.

[Simon P]

Simon, a MLM Mk1 (no star) - that's very rare indeed!
I seem to remember that rifles were numbered several months in advance, (hence the occasional 1902 dated rifle with a Victorian crown), so an 1889 rifle was possibly made in 1888.
I think a detailed picture series for the Knowledge Library is called for... woul the Moderators agree?
What is the history behind this? It's not one from Nepal, is it?

Rob

Not sure of its History, I took it in a while ago as a Part-Ex.

When I cleaned the hardened grease in the trap, the original oil bottle was still in there.