Just got back from the Big Reno Show...

[Surpmil]

I looked vey carefully, and there was only a serial number, ending in A. Everything else about the rifle screamed trials rifle, but for the lack of the stamps (I double checked, honest, Guv'nor!)

The moral of the story is, "the only purchase you regret is the one you don't make."

What you saw was probably a rifle built with trials rifle parts at Fazackerly in 1940/41. The left over parts from Enfield were sent there to be used up in starting their production. As has been discussed here before those rifles had A suffix serial numbers to designate the use of non-standard (ie: ex-trials rifle) parts.

A VERY RARE rifle indeed. Perhaps even rarer than genuine trials rifles.

Frankly, I'm amazed it was still there when you saw it at that price.

I very much doubt it still is. In fact I'll bet a few people who've read your story are on their way there now!

[spinecracker]

Then good luck to them. I just hope the rifle goes to a good home and doesn't get Bubba'd lol. The asking price of $500 is a little outside my price range.

[jmoore]

Good grief! A $500 non-snipered trials rifle (w/cutoff!!!) you could trade for a whole PILE of No 4's! Even an early war rebuild or Fazackerly build-up would be super cool!

[spinecracker]

Well, my maximum budget is $425, and with that I have to get stripper clips, ammunition, cleaning kit, 100yd rifle targets, etc - oh, and a rifle lol. Looks like I'm buggered

I had a good look round again today, and it looks like no one is buying Lee Enfields - I only noted 1 missing from the examples I saw yesterday (perhaps that should set off alarm bells?). I am going back for the last 2 hours of the show tomorrow, so we shall see how desperate people are to sell.

[spinecracker]

Then again, does anyone want to buy a kidney? I have a spare.....

[spinecracker]

Ok, then. I have another question. What would be the going price for a No.4 Mk1 that was made up of trials rifle parts, as mentioned in the post above, if the weapon is in very good to excellent condition, with a clean bore with no obvious wear, and with matching serial numbers, including the magazine? In essence, I am asking if it is morally right for me to rob my daughter's piggy bank? (she's 2 - she won't notice for another 6 or 7 years).

[Alan de Enfield]

Ok, then. I have another question. What would be the going price for a No.4 Mk1 that was made up of trials rifle parts, as mentioned in the post above, if the weapon is in very good to excellent condition, with a clean bore with no obvious wear, and with matching serial numbers, including the magazine? In essence, I am asking if it is morally right for me to rob my daughter's piggy bank? (she's 2 - she won't notice for another 6 or 7 years).

You cannot pay to much for an Enfield, you are just paying next years prices a little early.

Yes - Kill the pig !!!

[spinecracker]

The pig was summarily executed at 8.22am this morning. Condolences and orders for sides of bacon can be left at this address.

[spinecracker]

Seriously, you need to go check it out carefully. The trials are marked on the opposite (LHS) butt socket and there should be a cypher date and Enfield stamped there. It might also have been a "gasp, choke" a No.1 Mark VI, the holiest of holies!



That's a blurred shot of my No.1 mark VI - trials are I believe marked in the same place

It looked just like that, except for no royal markings, etc. The finish was also a little shinier, but I do not know how that would affect collectability and/or value.

[Surpmil]

Are you sure of the recess behind the safety catch?

If so, an even rarer rifle, practically unknown in fact.

Not trying to make you feel bad BTW...No one's born knowing.