Enfield question

[jmoore]

As a 1931/3 the lack of the little loop fwd of the magazine, and a six position rather than the four click rear sight elevation screw (its still the Enfield sight as evidenced by the ball detent recess on the bottom of the sight) seem to be "new features" differentiate it from the regular 1931. Not sure what other changes they made, yet.

Looking pretty correct, feature-wise, just from a quick look. Leave it be, I think!

ETA Can't tell if the top of the front barrel band is hinged or solid. It should have little Enfield markings like the rest of the rifle.

Wood appears to have been hit pretty hard w/ sandpaper before, so no more of that, please.

[jwtietz]

Well whats done is done. I would like to clean it up as best as possible though. What i keep thinking of is that back in the day all these guns were a dime a dozen. You just passed them by on the rack, they were all <100 and as a kid I liked the shiney stuff that didn't smell bad. The trend was to sporterize them and use them for parts. That's why the bubbaized guns are around and although it is a shame looking back, it is understandable, they were cheap and plentiful. If any more pics would help that woud be good i will try to get one of the front barrel band. I do think i can clean it up with care but will wait for some more feedback. Thanks to all. john

[jwtietz]

Here are some pics of the front band. No markings on the top only on the sides.

[Amatikulu]

yup, front band is hinged and enfield marked...................really nice

[jmoore]

Thanks, Amatikulu.

Crappy work monitor makes some pics so dark I can't see a thing!

[RJW NZ]

Just fyi, add a scope and mount and the value would be in the region of $3K -$5K in the US, and maybe even top that depending on condition.
A decent part of your value here is in the original items you've retained, that have often disappeared over the years from other similar rifles, ie
- The front sight protector ears are unique to these years and impossible to locate.
- The rear sight with the groove for the spring loaded ball is also unique to these early ones, and was often replaced with the common spring and plunger. Never seen an original one offered.
- The magazine cut off plate is often unique to these, (can't see enough in your pics to say if its original or not) does it have a hole drilled through it or not? There are other unique features but thats a very visual one.
- The round button as a bolt striker knob is unique to these early ones, never seen elsewhere.
-as mentioned, the hinged front band is rare.

PS All your barrel bands are on backwards, on enfields the screw slot end is always accessed from the left side of the rifle. If the sling swivels are offset, there's a rule about that too but I can't remember it right now.

Take your time; I've got a vaguely similar rifle and have/am taking more than 5 years to get it right, not there yet either.
Once I got the wood off mine I discovered that unlike most enfields the blueing on the barrel and receiver is a deep rich glossy navy blue, really lovely.

[jmoore]

One correction RJW, that style cocking piece may also be found on early Long Branch rifles, as well, Singer mfg. made some few for the early production No4 Mk1s, but they're scarce in their own right.

[jwtietz]

The magazine cut off plate grip is rolled sheet metal not a solid piece drilled. I believe that is what you are asking. I have never removed any parts from this gun or replaced any, and i know my friend that gave it to me never even touched it. He shot it a few times and that was it. Who knows who played with it in the years before that? I will change the barrel bands around to the left and then I am going to try to find a scope and mount. I think that would be fitting. Not as much concerned with the value as it being complete and something that is correct. I still would like to do something to the finish (but i am not). I want to thank you guys, RJW NZ the info is very interesting. I have been doing a lot of reading about this gun, the k98 and the type 44 carbine that sit in the safe with it. Looks like i have a new interest. john

[Mk VII]

Even without the scope and bracket it's probably still worth a substantial amount to an advanced collector.

[RJW NZ]

I think there's a couple of scopes and mounts on ebay at the moment, just interesting to watch the auctions go through.
FYI If you happen to buy a no 32 scope that needs work there is a person or two well known for restoring them to as new, others here can steer you if needed.
An aged no 32 scope tends to have frozen adjustment knobs as the grease dries out, and the balsamic glue that holds the lenses together breaks down over time, making them poor to look through and with a variety of problems such as mildew.
Frozen knobs and lens issues are quite fixable, so don't be put off buying a scope with these problems if the price is right. The restoration process is not cheap, but of very high quality and everyone reports being happy with the work.
Regarding scope brackets; there are reproductions around for about $150 US, don't get sucked in if you really want an original. On the other hand a repro will get you by quite nicely until you find the best one. Genuine ones look like an old bit of railway track, with a very rough surface finish. Repros can be ID'd often by their much better quality surface, ironic but there you go. If you watch ebay you'll see repros and genuine ones advertised, there are obvious visual differences and comparing those pics will show you which is which.