-
Legacy Member
How rare is a matching No1 MkI Non Irish Contract
Just curious how rare a matching No1 MkI, MkI*, MkI*** or MkI*** is that is not an Irish Contract CR or ER marked in America? If super rare in America what about elsewhere in the world that isn't a deactivated rifle?
Information
|
Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current. |
|
-
-
05-28-2020 03:25 PM
# ADS
Friends and Sponsors
-
Legacy Member
Originally Posted by
capt14k
Just curious how rare a matching No1 MkI, MkI*, MkI*** or MkI*** is that is not an Irish Contract CR or ER marked in America? If super rare in America what about elsewhere in the world that isn't a deactivated rifle?
Maybe pedantic but with such similar numbers the use of the correct nomenclature is important.
There is no such rifle as a No1 Mk1 it was simply a SHTLE 1 ( or 1**** etc) These days often called a MK1 but not marked as such
Picture lifted off Google
Last edited by Alan de Enfield; 05-28-2020 at 03:52 PM.
Mine are not the best, but they are not too bad. I can think of lots of Enfields I'd rather have but instead of constantly striving for more, sometimes it's good to be satisfied with what one has...
-
The Following 3 Members Say Thank You to Alan de Enfield For This Useful Post:
-
-
Legacy Member
Mark 1 series rifles in the USA
Most of the Mark 1*** rifles in the USA are Irish contact, the CR rifles are mixed parts, the ER are mostly original and the G series are not as common.
Years ago I found an all matching BSA 1906 Mark 1*** s/n s over 87176 and without any Irish markings, not common to find and never found another.
Also found a Enfield 1907 ConD 11* still with the early Mark V1 sights and still in 303 cal
To find anything without the Irish Contract is not commonAttachment 108545Attachment 108546
-
-
Contributing Member
I have an unfortunate (for my wallet) tendency to pick up poor wandering Mk I's whenever they cross my path at a reasonable price. I've yet to come across a non-Irish example.
-
-
Contributing Member
Does the "Irish contract" prefix make them more or less valuable in the US?
-
-
Contributing Member
Originally Posted by
Flying10uk
Does the "Irish contract" prefix make them more or less valuable in the US?
Definitely less valuable, though they are still valuable rifles.
-
Thank You to 303 Gunner For This Useful Post:
-
Legacy Member
another variation ConD 11*
My friend found this at a remote gun show in Wisconsin and bought it, later sold it to me.
I did find a Mark 1 front hand guard and early magazine. the late Skip Stratton told me some left over Mark 1 actions were also used besides conversions to build the Mark 1 rifles. I have never seen another in the USA in 303 cal.
Any Mark 1 variation without Irish stamps is not at all common in the USAttachment 108548Attachment 108549Attachment 108550Attachment 108551Attachment 108552
-
-
Legacy Member
Thank you for confirming my observations that most MkI** and variants are Irish Contract in the States. How about in places like South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand?
-
-
Legacy Member
These are rare in the USA without a doubt. The majority were converted into different configurations or chewed up in WWI. Collectors have imported a few from NZ and Australia (i.e. Queensland Police examples). I’ve seen a few in many years of collecting L.E.s.
In the past year or so one sold on GB for $3K+. Irish guns are not hard to find, though condition usually isn’t the best.
-
-
Contributing Member
In answer to the question, I would say that the Irish Contract rifles do have a soft spot in the United States and well worth seeking out, because of the sheer heritage of many U.S families with that Irish family connection who emigrated there years before any rebellion or struggle by the Irish Republican Army in 1916. Ireland has struggled against British rule in 1691/1798 and the Easter Rising on 1916. Many of these rifles were in existance then.
IMHO of course I would definately be buying one if I had the heritage, and if I was an American, as they speak history out loud if you find one over there, it would have certainly done the rounds !
Last edited by Gil Boyd; 05-29-2020 at 04:46 AM.
'Tonight my men and I have been through hell and back again, but the look on your faces when we let you out of the hall - we'd do it all again tomorrow.' Major Chris Keeble's words to Goose Green villagers on 29th May 1982 - 2 PARA
-