Smiling Tiger - Worth?

[SMcGeown]

Hello fellow collectors,

I have recently stumbled upon a smiling tiger rifle here in Canada. I was wondering how much, roughly, a bolt mismatch goes for these days as I have only ever seen one example for sale for $1,000? The wood on this rifle is in OK condition with several noticeable battle scars. Im sorry I don't have photos at the moment but if I can attain some I will post them below.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Cheers.

Information

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[Ridolpho]

SMc: I bought a decent one about a year ago for $450.00. It's also a mismatch (with a mismatched Siamese bolt) but good plus bore and overall good metal. I don't think these are quite up in the $1000.00 category quite yet unless in maybe extremely good shape and with matching bolt. Edit: Check out P&S Militaria- they currently list one in G-VG condition for $525.00.

Ridolpho

[browningautorifle]

You'll need photos to get any kind of decent appraisal here. I seriously doubt the rifle priced at $1000 sold...people reach hard sometimes. A good clean #1 Mk3 can go for $600 up depending on a couple things but I don't see the one you speak of as particularly collectable. Just you haven't seen many. Mis matched bolt, rough wood and a barrel that's at least well shot and possibly worse all take from condition. Stand by, there's a number of other Canadian collectors will be along shortly...

[Badger]

There were 10,000 of these rifles made made in 1920 by BSA for the elite Siamese "Wild Tiger Corps", with a cute logo of a tiger on the butt socket along with the BSA markings and the serial number (in Siamese characters).

Check the United Kingdom - Milsurp Knowledge Library (click here)

1920 ShtLE (Short Lee-Enfield) Wild Tiger Corps No.1 MkIII* Rifle.

Examine the 106 picture photo montage, which might help you with some of your questions.

Regards,
Doug

[SMcGeown]

Thank you for the advice everyone. This rifle doesn't come up very often so I had very little idea of the value of this piece and whether it is worth pursuing.
Cheers,
Scott

[SMcGeown]

Here are some photos of the Tiger.

[Ridolpho]

$1000.00 is definitely way out of line in my opinion. The metal is rough and the forend is an Ishapore replacement ("Ishapore screw" as well as No. 4 style strap at rear of forend). Ask for photos of their rifle at P&S for comparison.

Ridolpho

[browningautorifle]

I'd think no more than $500...less if I could. The bore would have to be perfect.

[muffett.2008]

10,000 Rifles.........subtract the amount lost or destroyed during the war, normal atrition due to tropical conditions and calculate the relative worth of an interesting rifle.
I'd say priceless, but whatever you offer is what you are willing to pay.
Attachment 52984Attachment 52985Attachment 52986
.........and courtesy of Skennerton,Attachment 52987Attachment 52988Attachment 52989Attachment 52990Attachment 52991

[5thBatt]

Here's mine, i also have another with all the metal work including the nosecap, both have mismatch but correct bolts.