7 Feb. 2013
1:30pm

Most interesting, Superbee. What we seem to have is an old MLM mk. II that was converted to CLLE mk. I* in 1910. As part of that conversion process, it was given a new-made MLM-style receiver along with a new safety-fitted bolt. Later, the whole thing was converted again to SMLE specs. The upshot is that, though nominally born of an MLM mk. II, the rifle as currently configured has no parts -- at least no major parts -- left over from that original MLM. Can you post or PM the serial number to me, which may have carried over onto all the new parts, as follows. Nominally at least, a CLLE mk. I* could have a Metford barrel. If the CLLE conversion in 1910 retained the Metford barrel, then the new 1910 receiver would have been given that serial number. When the thing was later turned into a SMLE, the receiver's serial number may have in turn been given to the new parts -- all thereby indirectly preserving the original MLM's number.