No 1 Mk III

[Catch22]

I'm looking for some info due to a potential trade I have been offered. I love the Enfields, but I don't know a lot about them other than the research I've done on my No 4 Mk I.

I'm looking at a 1915 No 1 Mk III. He was adamant it wasn't a Mk III*, which I have no idea about. He also made note of the windage being functional, another trait I have no idea about.

Can anyone elaborate on these things? He's talking about a value of $650, but I just don't know much about this particular model.

Thanks in advance!

Information

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[Ridolpho]

Catch22: As of Jan. 1916 the MkIII* was adopted and most ensuing production (for the balance of WW1) didn't have the cutoff slot milled in the body, the volley sights, or the windage adjustable rear sight. All but the latter had little relevence in modern war although the cutoff did come back again post war in some production. Everyone seems to want to buy an early war Mk III right now and you sure don't see a lot of them up here. When you do they're often priced at $1000.00 or even more. Having recently imported a couple from the US I would say prices are a wee bit lower down there- but not dramatically. The number you mention would be fair if the rifle is in great shape.

Ridolpho

[Catch22]

Catch22: As of Jan. 1916 the MkIII* was adopted and most ensuing production (for the balance of WW1) didn't have the cutoff slot milled in the body, the volley sights, or the windage adjustable rear sight. All but the latter had little relevence in modern war although the cutoff did come back again post war in some production. Everyone seems to want to buy an early war Mk III right now and you sure don't see a lot of them up here. When you do they're often priced at $1000.00 or even more. Having recently imported a couple from the US I would say prices are a wee bit lower down there- but not dramatically. The number you mention would be fair if the rifle is in great shape.

Ridolpho

That's very helpful! You are losing me on the cutoff slot, but I'm trying to do some research on it to make sure. Even if it doesn't work it, I'm learning some cool stuff.

[Bear43]

The cutoff slot is on the right side of the receiver. It is a slot for a magazine cutoff. When the magazine cutoff is pushed in it blocks off the magazine and the rifle can only be fired as a single shot. Pull the cutoff out and the magazine is unblocked and functional once more. As for that rifle, if the numbers match properly and it retains the proper volley sights and the bore is decent then I would say it would be worth close to that amount. You simply don't see many true Mk III SMLE's pop up anymore that aren't bitser rifles.