New Addition

[Patt14 No2]

Here's mine!

It started life as a LE1* 1900, then converted to Mk11 SMLE in 1908 by BSA and last issued to 4th KSOB who served in Galipoli and then converted by the Turks in 1935 to 7.92. Serial number 37, it came from the Charnwood Ordnance collection auctioned by Bonhams in the late 90's. I shoot it occasionally with handloads - it has passed British Proof!

Information

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[HarryB]

Very nice indeed. Another rare beast. Along with the OP's rifle this is a very interesting thread showing two seldom seen rifles with history. Thank you both for sharing.

[browningautorifle]

Here's mine!

What a neat and interesting rifle it is too. Bayonet converted and cut down as well.

[303 Gunner]

It started life as a LE1* 1900, then converted to Mk11 SMLE in 1908 by BSA.

Wow! That rifle has lived quite the life! A rare conversion of a rare conversion to boot. Thank-you for sharing it!

[303 Gunner]

Most likely! Just need the ranges to open up!

[Surpmil]

Well, who's afraid of a little 7.92x57? We wonder about the ability of the old SMLE to handle 7.62x51 and there the Turks go upping the ante, even after silver-brazing on a new charger bridge - did they re-harden the lugs or re-temper the actions after all that?

Curious how they left the marker disc on. I think that can only be a little triumphalism.

[Daan Kemp]

If there's two, there must be more. Otherwise why the expense? Where are they and what happened to them?

[Patt14 No2]

Mine is the lowest observed serial number 37 and the highest seen is in the 700's which gives an indication of how many were converted. To the best of my knowlwdge mine is the only one with a new fabricated charger guide (being a MK11 SMLE it had the charger giude on the bolt head), it has had considerable use and the bore is well used but still shoots well. It's always a talking point at the range!

[303 Gunner]

Took the rifle apart today to get her all cleaned up, so I figured I would take a few more photos. Interestingly, the "reinforcing bar" is not actually welded/brazed to the receiver as is often reported. It is slotted into the cutoff slot and appears to be secured with the cutoff screw.

Attachment 107618Attachment 107619Attachment 107620Attachment 107621

[Brian B]

I watched this one with much interest until it passed the $2k mark. Thought it would add some context around value to the thread.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/877433625