Lee Enfield Sights (Slideshow)

[Alan de Enfield]

Thought this may be of interest, and maybe a candidate for a 'sticky'

Used by the HBSA at the imperial War Museum

Lee Enfield rifle sights from Historical Breechloading Smallarms Association

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.

[Peter Laidler]

Photo 53, the adjusting tool shown isn't for a No5 rifle but a Sterling SMG. It is the TOOL, adjusting, foresight No5 but it is not for the rifle. It is the No5 TOOL. I think that the TOOL, adjusting foresight No4 is for the No5 rifle.

Photo 57. Those backsights were done on the cheap for the L81 A1 Cadet target rifle. It is said that P-H made them so dire to the point of sheer crap so that the competitive school Cadet Forces would be obliged to buy P-H sights to get onto the target. But, alas, not just your old P-H Mauser sight that you might have handy as it fouled the bolt when you lifted the handle

[Warren]

Plate number 15 is "I believe" a HUMPHRIES, made in Canada around 1917 - 20.
Humphries was a native Canadian (First Nations) who worked out of Vancouver, BC. Canada
I have the identical sight with his name hand stamped on it.

[Surpmil]

Plate number 15 is "I believe" a HUMPHRIES, made in Canada around 1917 - 20.
Humphries was a native Canadian (First Nations) who worked out of Vancouver, BC. Canada
I have the identical sight with his name hand stamped on it.

Wasn't he the chap who came up with the aperture sight mounting bridge / charger guide for the Ross MkII or so they say? I believe he was a Cowichan; best known for their sweaters!

I used to have one of his sights, photos attached.

I see Muffet.2008 has one as well. They seem to have traveled widely, surprisingly enough, as they're no silk purse.

[Surpmil]

Plate number 15 is "I believe" a HUMPHRIES, made in Canada around 1917 - 20.
Humphries was a native Canadian (First Nations) who worked out of Vancouver, BC. Canada
I have the identical sight with his name hand stamped on it.

Definitely Humphreys; had one very similar so marked. He is said to have made the first sight bridge for the Ross Mk.II as well. Early sights were very much "hand-made".

Here's the "arm" for another of his, with much better finish.

[Strangely Brown]

Definitely Humphreys; had one very similar so marked. He is said to have made the first sight bridge for the Ross Mk.II as well. Early sights were very much "hand-made".

Here's the "arm" for another of his, with much better finish.

In 1908 the NRA Sight Committee inspected 90 new sights and accepted 58 of them; where are they and more importantly what were they!

[Surpmil]

If that information is anywhere it is probably in the NRA archives. The NRA Museum is probably a treasure trove of information, but I have the impression they survive on a minimal budget and with mostly or entirely volunteer staff.

Regarding Humphreys, his father was an HBCo. employee who married an Indian woman. Humphreys junior was a gunsmith in Vancouver before WWI and served from early 1915 to late 1918 as an Armourer Sergeant in the 47th Battalion in France, and died from the effects of service in 1921. He was born in 1875 so was somewhat over-age even at enlistment.

[ssj]

Great thanks.....

[muffett.2008]

Lots of mistakes and missed sights, pity.
This was done back about '09 if I remember correctly, pity he hadn't contacted a sight collector, he's missed more than he found.
Still, at least he made the effort.

[Alan de Enfield]

Lots of mistakes and missed sights, pity.
This was done back about '09 if I remember correctly, pity he hadn't contacted a sight collector, he's missed more than he found.
Still, at least he made the effort.

Absolutely correct - but its a bit like Skennerton (and others') books - you publish what you know at the time and a month ot two late someone says "if only you'd asked me ......."

We all have to start somewhere.

Maybe we can take this thread as an opportunity to build upon the knowledge and add pictures and info so as to get a more complete listing.
Come on - add those weird and wonderful sights you've got hiding in the "shed".