Survey of Lee-Metford Mk. II*, Late Lee-Metford Mk. II and Derived Conversions

[Saskgeol]

I had posted this on another site, but I have been lurking on here to learn more about my gun, so I thought I should share it here.------------------

Just recently picked up an early british rifle. I am posting pictures in the hope that those with more knowledge of these guns might offer some advice and confirm or refute my understanding of what this gun is.

Gun is labelled as a London Small Arms MK II* (on wristband). I'm assuming (possibly incorrectly) that it is a Lee-Metford. All visible numbers are #983 (assuming that is the serial #). There are some small proof marks on the receiver that I can't decode as well as some letters. This gun seems to be lightly marked/proofed compared to any of the other examples I've seen. Volley sights are intact and plain, compared to some of the MLM guns online. On the right side of receiver it says Lee-Speed Patents, which I believe is for commercial guns only. I didn't know if that jived with the existing proof marks. On the front of the bolt dustcover you can make out another faint 'PATENT" marking. Magazine lockout plate appears to be an early 1890-1895 judging by the hole and detent tab pattern. The stock looks like a bubba-job, but it is close to the Lee-patents commercial pattern, without any of the fancy accoutrements. If it has been modified it's a shame as the wood is in incredible shape. Other than the attached pictures there are no marks on the metal to denote anything. Barrel is in remarkable shape. I appreciate any information people are willing to share. I have tried determining as much as I can, but the variability of these guns and the rarity makes things tough. Gun seems to be in amazing shape for its age and model. Maybe I'm missing something.Attachment 39873Attachment 39867Attachment 39872Attachment 39871Attachment 39865Attachment 39870Attachment 39866Attachment 39868Attachment 39869

Information

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[coggansfield]

Thanks, Saskgeol. This looks to be an LSA trade pattern MLM mk. II upgraded to mk. II* by the addition of a new safety-fitted bolt. The star next to the II on the buttsocket looks to be a later addition (added at the time of the upgrade). Having said that, the bolt is not obviously a renumbered replacement bolt, so I suppose it could be original. If bolt and the star on the buttsocket are in fact original, then this would be the first purpose built trade pattern MLM mk. II* I've seen. Nice rifle. Thanks for sharing.

Coggo