New (to me) 1917 BSA No1 Mk3* PIC HEAVY

[chuckchili]

I picked this rifle up today and I REALLY like it. Everything matches except the magazine, and I believe it has its original barrel (bore is in terrific condition). It came with a nylon case, about 85 rounds and a new sling. The previous owner had it for the last 16 years and we had a real nice conversation. Overall, I couldn't be happier.

A couple of things reall caught my eye and made me a little suspicious when I first saw it but as you can tell, I bought it anyway. First was the stock. It is alot lighter than the photo shows so I at first thought it was a replacement. It is properly stamped on the underside, just below the nose cap. (I guess whoever was stamping was not satisfied with their first two attempts) The second thing that I am still second guessing is the finish. It looks too good to be original but I am thinking that since the barrel appears original and is in such great condition, maybe the rifle did not see much abuse in its long life. I am interested in what the experts think??? I am "okay" at recognizing markings but the one on the right side of the back of the receiver which states "NO 1 MK III 303R U KING" has me a little baffled. I have another BSA (a 1915) which does not have this marking. What does it mean? I need a stock disc and a nose cap screw (the one on the underside) but am really looking forward to shooting it. Any and all opinions are welcome.

Thanks and on to the photos................

Information

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[tbonesmith]

Looks like a model and calibre designation to me: (model) No1 MkIII (Calibre) .303 R(immed) U(nited) King(dom)
I'm not sure but that's my guess. I could see this as a requirement in some places where longarms are registered. They are here in Australia and there can be a lot of confusion when it comes to describing the model and make of rifles, especially milsurps where it is often unclear. Serial numbers are often misread also.

[mtbikerwvu]

Sweet! I love these old Lee Enfields and yours looks to be a good one.

[Jorge in Oz]

Nice rifle dude I love the BSAs SMLEs. You can can get a replacement disk for the buttstock from eBay, I bought one a while back.

Cheers

[RJW NZ]

I'd bet the U King marking is like Jovino, JJ CO NY NY, an importing agents mark, required by the feds.
Nice very original rifle, nice. Take a look under the rear sight arm, and I'll bet the same number is there too, its hard to find a no1 mk3 with the forend stamped with the serial, nice to have..
The wood is in good, original condition, with the comment that the very grainy appearance is due to drying out of the wood oils and the BLO finish wearing off. Perhaps members here can suggest how to treat it without altering the appearance much. If you made a new coat of BLO or RLO it might change the overall look quite a bit, which maybe a good thing or not.
If you're stripping it down, take a look at the recoil lugs/draws in the wood, and make sure they're not beat up. Old dry wood like this might be vulnerable there.
Try enfield resource dot com for a list of parts suppliers.

[chuckchili]

Thanks for the comments. This rifle IS import marked, from CAI. Its gently marked (sorry I do not know the correct name of the part) on the metal piece that is about 3 inches in front of the bolt handle when closed.