Rarity of 1908 BSA Sparkbrook MkI*.

[smle addict]

I think it would be a great buy. Maybe shelve it away as a long term project.

I bought a Mk 1*** just over a year ago. I wasn't sporterized, but it had a Mk III rear sight protector, and a Mk III rear sight. I got really lucky and found the early Mk 1 rear sight and handguard. The handguard I paid a premium for ($150.00). I had to repair the draws of the fore-end, and had to fill in the cuts from the Mk III sight protector. Turned out okay, I always have a hard time matching stain. Got about $800 into it, including the cost of the rifle.

Point is, it was along term resto, and it came together within a year. If you buy it, you might be able to locate the parts quicker than you think. Splicing in a fore-end to the original remnant wouldn't be too hard.

But it and have some fun!

[breakeyp]

Mark 1 forestock wood is difficult to find as the barrel band screw is in a different location than the later MkIII.

[RCS]

Thanks to Son, I took these photos a few months ago, The ConD II* is for the Mark VI cartridge while the BSA 1906 Mark 1*** is for the Mark VII cartridgeAttachment 45192Attachment 45193

[Anzac15]

Thanks to everyone for the feedback thus far. Hopefully it will be mine Friday!

[5thBatt]

A 1908 BSA/SPARKBROOK Mk1* SMLE would indeed be a rifle worthy of restoration, i think 1906 is the only year you would expect to find one so am expecting this to be a 1906.
As for the resto, as it has a CR prefix i would certainly follow any advice on the configuration of the rifle Frederick303 may provide