Irish Free State No. 1 Mk. III?

[Rick the Librarian]

I attended the huge WAC gunshow at Puyallup, WA, yesterday and saw, on display, a No. 1 Mk. III Enfield advertised as an "Irish Free State Enfield" for $325. I didn't buy it because I couldn't see any markings which obviously showed it off and I didn't know where to look in any case!

This got my curiousity up, because, after seeing the movies "MIchael Collins" and "The Wind That Shakes the Barley" and reading numerous books about the Irish/British civil war and the Irish civil war of 1922-23, I have quite an interest in those conflicts.

Anyway, how are Irish Enfields marked that distinguish them from "regular" British Enfields? Are they fair common and what's the going rate for one? I admit that studying the history of the conflict has me interested in one. I remember that Hunter's Lodge advertised them about 45 years ago.

TIA!

P.S. I have a large pictorial book on the Irish Civil War, by that title. Chock full of pictures of Enfields and other British weapons of that era!

Information

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[lngstrt]

My 1916 Enfield made Mk III has the FF right on top of the knox form and receiver.

[Badger]

With thanks to Advisory Panel members Lance and Wheaty, there's an entry in the England - Milsurp Knowledge Library (click here), complete with a 182 picture photo montage.

No.3 MkI* (T) Rifle (BSA Scope) (click here)
c/w matching Model 1918 (3x) Scope Serial #226763 (Mfg by B.S.A Guns)

This is one of only 79 rifles converted by B.S.A Guns, contracted between July 27, 1935 and completed by Dec 9, 1938. The scope and rifle are "all matching" with "all correct" fonts and markings for collector comparisons.

All those specimens noted from the B.S.A. contract have had the Irish Free State marking (Fianna Fiel) on the back of the left rear telescope mount, so it would appear that these sniper rifles were assembled for an Irish contract.

Irish Free State marking (Fianna Fiel)


(Click PIC to Enlarge)(Click PIC to Enlarge)

Regards,
Badger

[Rick the Librarian]

Excellent pictures! Thanks, guys! I was wondering what the "FF" stood for - I should have guessed "Fianna Fail".

How much would a "generic" IFS Enfield go for in say, good to very good condition? Are they seen much?