Query on LSA No.1 MkIII

[spinecracker]

Found a gentleman selling a 1914 or 1915 (can't remember which) LSA No.1 MkIII, with magazine cut-off and volley sights still intact. The magazine was apparently for a No.1. The serial numbers matched at the bolt, barrel, muzzle (or whatever that front sight protector bit is called) and receiver, but not on the rear sight. The bore looked to be be in pretty good condition with good rifling. The rifle had apparently ended up in Australia, or had been owned by an Australian, as a simple boomerang with "Alice" underneath had been engraved on the butt. The gentleman wanted $1200 US. I do not have photos. Any comments?

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[smle13]

$1200 is a little steep for me, i paid $800 for my beutiful 1909 bsa all matching down to the cocking piece, with cut off and volley sights. it just depends on how bad you want it.

[finloq]

I paid $100 for my 1917 LSA completely non-matching. But I'd let it go for $1200.

[smle13]

yes, but your LSA 1917 is not as rare as the early LSA's with volley sights and cut off, early as in 1908-1915

[spinecracker]

Looks like the guy sold it, anyway. Apparently he also has a No.1 Mk.III with Royal Marine markings (whatever they would be...) that he will be bringing along tomorrow - we shall see.

[finloq]

yes, but your LSA 1917 is not as rare as the early LSA's with volley sights and cut off, early as in 1908-1915

Cut off-yes, volley sights-no...and not worth $800-$1200, but one can dream.
Actually if it was a Mk.III* instead of a Mk.III, would it not be worth more; as LSA only made those for a short while in 1918, before they closed up shop? Only 50,000 (approx.) made (Stratton) as opposed to the 450,000 Mk.III's made at LSA.

[smle13]

your smle would actually be worth more if its a mkIII even though there were more mkIII's made than mkIII* at LSA, oh and does that royal marine have volley sights, i would love to have pics.

Thanks!!

[spinecracker]

Well, the seller did find a buyer for $1100. I did also bump into someone selling a .410 Enfield based on a 1918 BSA Sht LE Mk.III in pretty good overall condition. The woodwork was cut for the rear and fore volley sights, and the fore volley sight plate was still attached. I presume the butt had been repleased at some point as it had "LT" painted on the right hand side. The rifle was completely matching, except for the rear sight, so it would appear that the original barrel was bored out. The seller said that the chamber had been bored out to accept modern .410 cartridges. The receiver was stamped with "NZ". I could not find any markings indicating Indian service or modification, and there was no wooden magazine plug. I did read that somwe .410 conversions were done commercially, but I do not know how if that is accurate. I do not have photos. I think the person just wants to get rid of it as the asking price was $300 and, without me bargaining at all, he offered it to me for $200. Anyone know much about .410 Enfields and what I should look for? Any comments on price (I know how difficult it can be without photos, but ballpark ideas are always welcome lol).

[jmoore]

US$150, if it's nice.

[finloq]

Maybe a little more if it has been re-bored to accept modern .410 cartidges. Is there a modification to the magazine to create a ramp for the shell? Has a plate been welded on top or something?