Lee Metford MkI

[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?

Information

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[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.

[RobD]

Bigduke, I suspect that rifle on Gunstar is a MLM 1* - as almost all of them are - and hence has the barleycorn front sight. Simon's has the notched front sight.

[GDU]

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.

What model of oil bottle?

[stevesmle]

This is a very early production Mk 1, the master serial no. was applied to the barrel, and when the barrel was mated to the receiver, after 2nd proof firing, this serial number was applied to receiver, and bolt, and the last 2 digits of the year (1889) were stamped on the bottom of the barrel. the serial no. stamped below the woodwork is a follow on from the Martini rifles. Only a small number of pre-production models were dated 1888, mass production began in 1889. This is the first example I have seen with the serial number in this position. It sounds as if it retains its original Lewes sights.