Lee Metford MkII(?) "Alex Martin, Glasgow"

[Len]

I first saw this BSA commercial rifle a few weeks ago and today I met with the owner and purchased it. It was retailed by the firm of Alex Martin of Glasgow. It's in pretty good shape with a very nice bright bore. It just needs a thorough cleaning to remove the dust bunnies and old , hardened grease. An unusual feature missed the first time I saw it is a "US" cartouche on the underside of the wrist accompanied by a broad arrow. It came with a sling marked "J.B. Brooks & Co. Ltd./ 1941(0?) Here are some pics.

Regards,
Len

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Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Brian B]

Beautiful rifle!!

Thx for sharing.

Brian B

[Rumpelhardt]

Is it just me or does any one else think the older the rifle type the more elegant the lines seem to be?

[Ridolpho]

Not just you Rumplehardt- these older ones are beauties. I constantly marvel at the fit of the forend and butt on my MLE I. Looks like someone very carefully fitted it by hand. Anyone know how significantly the assembly process changed from Lee-Metford to SMLE No. 1 MkIII?

Ridolpho

[Jc5]

The older models (pre-SMLE) definitely have an elegance to them.

On this one, is there a number stamped on the top-rear, flat part of the action (where the bolt slides in)? You need to lift the bolt handle to see.

Also would you be willing to fill out my commercial Lee survey? Please send me a PM and I'll email it to you.

Thanks!

[muffett.2008]

That's not a Yank mark, that means unservicable, you'd better send it down to me to dispose of properly.

[Promo]

Is this the same Alex Martin who also did the sniper conversions of the P.14 rifle?

[Robert303]

Yes it is the same Alex Martin of Glasgow who were later taken over by Dicksons of Edinburgh. Dicksons is still on the go although now wholly owned by a rather well off American gentleman according to my source.

[Father Ted]

Beautiful rifle👏👏👏 what's the US cartouche all about?
Cheers

[Surpmil]

Is it just me or does any one else think the older the rifle type the more elegant the lines seem to be?

I don't know if older always meant more elegant, but that rifle was a product of the Victorian/Edwardian age. Everyone grew up surrounded by form and function combined in even mundane objects. No doubt it became second nature to them to design objects that did the same, anything else would have offended the senses of the vast majority. It's often said that designs that look well usually work well. Why is an interesting question!