Speed-Lee markings

[No4Mk1(T)]

Duplicate threads merged.

[jmoore]

Not some Afgan inventiveness??? Looks almost too nice for a visit there. The crown w/ the cross does make it seem a little unlikely.

[EnfieldNutt84]

Heres some pictures, my camera isnt working so well, so I will try to draw out the Markings, thanks for all the interest, Ive been reading every ancient language I can get my hands on to see if i can line it up too. This is a Trade Model. The UV mark on the Buttplate would make me think South African Union Boer War era. I also have this Butt Disk, Idk what it is either, although Im guessing it is Arabic?

Ive also added some other pictures of Speed Lees, I hope they help with your Research, i know a little about them but not much, please feel free to ask any particular questions i might be able to track it down too as I am trying to research them as well.

Again what a great bunch of enthusiasts on this forum, Ive never found a better resource.

BTW anyone bidding against me on a particular auction on ebay which is gettin up there in price pleeeeaaase let me snag this one lol if ur bidding on it u know which one it is, it was a buy it now then i waffled and someone opened the lions den by bidding lol

[Jc5]

Interesting...where is the bayonet lug? Has it been removed?

Who is the maker: LSA, BSA Co, BSA&M Co?
Is it marked "Lee Speed Patents" or "For Cordite Only"?
Does it have any of the following marks: crown over V, crown over NP, crown over BV, crown over BM?
What is the barrel length and overall length?

I can compare it to other trade patterns I have catalogued.

Thanks!

[EnfieldNutt84]

It is BSA BV BP NP 303 NITRO PROVED 1575 the bayonet lug i have no idea as it looks like the nose cap was created with out one, there are some other small markings on her that are really hard for me to make out , i need to go find a magnifine glass to make em out the butt plate is UV dot dot dot dot dot, no import markings either

[EnfieldNutt84]

On the other side of the Receiver, there is FOR CORDITE ONLY and a V in a circle and an E in a circle.

[Jc5]

It was probably made between 1904 and 1914.

Follow-up questions;
1) There is no "Lee Speed Patents" stamp?

2) Of the three trade pattern carbines shown in the BSA catalog, which do you think it most resembles? Looks like the No.3 to me.

3) What is the barrel length and overall length? The reason I ask is to determine if it was a full-length service pattern that was cut down at some point. The nose cap is unusual in lacking a bayonet lug.

4) Is the knox form of the MLE or SMLE type?

5) Is the rear sight of the rifle patern or carbine pattern. Looks like rifle pattern, but hard to tell from the photo.

6) Is the serial number 1575 also on the bolt handle?

7) Is there a patent stamp or number on the bolt head or on the nose cap?

I will continue to search for the mysterious marking.

[EnfieldNutt84]

The highly detailed other stamp looks like 2 cursive letters of some sort or a design underneath a crown, the sights r graduated out to 20 (2,000 yards) i have 2 buttstocks which came with it, one has soldiers initials in it and i dont know if its original, the other im sure isnt, its the small one, B over 38 Broad Arrow marking below and the S atop and an E on the rear sling swivel mount although the grain is close to a match and condition of the forestock. The Barrel length is 21.25 inches, the over all length is 39.25 inches. I measured the barrel from the front top of the breech where the dust cover locks up to. The marking on the bolt is SN 1575 as well and it appears to have a very small 2 figure marking in the center of the knob on the flat top of it, almost like a little "go" logo (referring to the go looking letters under the large crown on the receiver.

[EnfieldNutt84]

I guess the Patent stamp would be the little one on the bolt? or the cursive letter or slanted 2 peice design thing under a slightly larger crown? this marking is above the NP crown stamp and stamped on a right angle as to reading it as the NP is readable from the side profile and the other from above so to speak, i wish my camera was alive I could just take more pictures. The forestock on the very front (wood) thru the nase cap one can read L stamp, maybe a 7, and remotely a 1 up in the corner it appears faintly. the original wood cutting grooves are faint and fine as per the original manufacturer. No visible markings on the nose cap, im hoping to get the other one anyways for display use if doesnt complete it. I also have a sling swivel which appears same era and wear.

[EnfieldNutt84]

This might be a trade Pattern 4, i forget where I found information on them once, but I will try to re-dig it up. Thanks for the combined efforts, i cant wait to fid this out hopefully soon.