Gunbroker Auction - Long Branch Enfield No4 Mk1 T

[jmoore]

I'm just wondering if the separate major components are real, not reproduction, sniper components (rifle, scope, scope mount, transit box) that someone has put together to make a sniper, then perhaps it would be reasonable to purchase it and then sell the parts as necessary - could reap more than you paid.

I think you are correct, here. Its "real" stuff, thrown together in all likelihood. Whether or not its worth breaking up will depend on the final price, of course. The happiest outcome would be for someone to mate long sought bits together in their proper places.

The real drama is that it appears to be somewhat "improved", but not to the level expected in post war service. BTW IF you've some old paper, there's no shortage of WWII vintage typewriters to make all the "matching kit" labels you want....

[limpetmine]

I have held off comment on this one, as it was an ongoing auction. I think the rifle is the real deal. In the serial number list I keep, this rifle is ONE digit off a confirmed sniper in a well known (deceased) Enfield author collection.(since sold off). I would not dismiss the correctness of the scope and mount, either. The story I'm not to sure about, seems a bit contrived to me, but I have learned enough about Enfields to not make hard and fast rules about anything. (For example, the two off modified scopes that Nigel proved were the real deal).
Buy the rifle, not the story.
(I see that the kit sold for $4,000)

[Surpmil]

I have held off comment on this one, as it was an ongoing auction. I think the rifle is the real deal. In the serial number list I keep, this rifle is ONE digit off a confirmed sniper in a well known (deceased) Enfield author collection.(since sold off). I would not dismiss the correctness of the scope and mount, either. The story I'm not to sure about, seems a bit contrived to me, but I have learned enough about Enfields to not make hard and fast rules about anything. (For example, the two off modified scopes that Nigel proved were the real deal).
Buy the rifle, not the story.
(I see that the kit sold for $4,000)

I commented because it is was an ongoing auction.

The rifle is genuine of course, never any debate about that. The painted number on the No8 Case looks convincing too, but having recently been reminded how things can be 'created' with an old piece of paper, a fountain pen and some varnish, that look highly convincing, I'm afraid some white painted digits on a rather fresh looking case ain't quite enough when the numbers literally don't add up.

Just my opinion of course.