Lee Metford MkI

[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.

[Fred G.]

Wow, that IS early and unaltered!

---------- Post added at 05:20 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:12 PM ----------

The rifle on Gunstar appears to have both the stacking and the sling swivel on the front band. It also has a rod inder the barrrel. Has it the early dustcover retaining screws like the early rifles? I can't tell. Maybe it IS all early too?

---------- Post added at 05:28 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:20 PM ----------

If it's early, it probably is easily worth the $2,352.00 U.S that they're asking for it.

[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?

[Simon P]

Its a MkII Oil bottle approx 3.750" long, oval base & a Knob type top. "X" maked for LSA manufacture.

[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.

[Fred G.]

Just have to ask. Would you care to sell it at a good profit?

[rayg]

Just curious but would Simon's rifle be able to be sent to the Fred in the US directly as an antique if he did sell it to Fred, or is it classified different in Britain and would need an importer to do it? Ray

[Simon P]

Just have to ask. Would you care to sell it at a good profit?

Fred it has taken me a few years to get an original MkI, so I will hold on to this one for a while...

[Fred G.]

I'm Green with Envy! Well Congradulations anyway for finding such a teasure!

---------- Post added at 05:13 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:09 PM ----------

Just curious but would Simon's rifle be able to be sent to the Fred in the US directly as an antique if he did sell it to Fred, or is it classified different in Britain and would need an importer to do it? Ray

Just to know what it would take if I bought such a rifle from Fulton, what would I have to do to have one shipped to my house or FFL dealer?

[newcastle]

Is there such a thing as an antigue over ther even? Here is the US, for those in the UK or not in the know. A rifle made in 1898 or before is classed as an antique and NOT a firearm. There are zero restriction on ownership or shipping. As an example I was able to walk into a store and buy my 1898 winchester model 1895 in 303 british and walk out with it there and then like it was a pound of apples.