+ Reply to Thread
Results 1 to 8 of 8

Thread: Lee Speed Enfield - Long Version - Rarity & Value

Click here to increase the font size Click here to reduce the font size
  1. #1
    Legacy Member hatrick's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Last On
    04-28-2024 @ 06:42 AM
    Location
    Massachusets, USA
    Posts
    122
    Local Date
    04-30-2024
    Local Time
    10:10 PM

    Lee Speed Enfield - Long Version - Rarity & Value

    I was thinking of picking up this Lee Speed Enfield and was wondering how rare they are and what the value is. It is in fantastic condition with matching bolt and receiver numbers. Not sure what the other number under the bolt handle on the top of the receiver is. Kind of cool being the long version instead of the sporter.

    Any help would be greatly appreciated.

    Thanks,
    Eric

    Attachment 58265Attachment 58266Attachment 58267Attachment 58268Attachment 58269Attachment 58270
    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.

  2. # ADS
    Friends and Sponsors
    Join Date
    October 2006
    Location
    Milsurps.Com
    Posts
    All Threads
    A Collector's View - The SMLE Short Magazine Lee Enfield 1903-1989. It is 300 8.5x11 inch pages with 1,000+ photo’s, most in color, and each book is serial-numbered.  Covering the SMLE from 1903 to the end of production in India in 1989 it looks at how each model differs and manufacturer differences from a collecting point of view along with the major accessories that could be attached to the rifle. For the record this is not a moneymaker, I hope just to break even, eventually, at $80/book plus shipping.  In the USA shipping is $5.00 for media mail.  I will accept PayPal, Zelle, MO and good old checks (and cash if you want to stop by for a tour!).  CLICK BANNER to send me a PM for International pricing and shipping. Manufacturer of various vintage rifle scopes for the 1903 such as our M73G4 (reproduction of the Weaver 330C) and Malcolm 8X Gen II (Unertl reproduction). Several of our scopes are used in the CMP Vintage Sniper competition on top of 1903 rifles. Brian Dick ... BDL Ltd. - Specializing in British and Commonwealth weapons Specializing in premium ammunition and reloading components. Your source for the finest in High Power Competition Gear. Here at T-bones Shipwrighting we specialise in vintage service rifle: re-barrelling, bedding, repairs, modifications and accurizing. We also provide importation services for firearms, parts and weapons, for both private or commercial businesses.
     

  3. #2
    FREE MEMBER
    NO Posting or PM's Allowed
    RobD's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Last On
    12-14-2023 @ 03:21 AM
    Location
    UK / South Africa
    Posts
    942
    Local Date
    05-01-2024
    Local Time
    03:10 AM
    Not that rare, but very lovely. As for value, I reckon they sell for about 30% more than an SMLE in similar condition. Thus in the UKicon, would sell for about £600 - £800. If it has a good shooting bore, it's worth more - but it is most unusual to find a really good bore on a long Lee. They are a pleasure to shoot - if the bore is good - but the sights are a bit crude.

  4. Avoid Ads - Become a Contributing Member - Click HERE
  5. #3
    Legacy Member ActionYobbo's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Last On
    03-27-2024 @ 10:52 PM
    Location
    Flippin Arky
    Posts
    417
    Local Date
    04-30-2024
    Local Time
    10:10 PM
    I would have no problem spending 1k on it
    1ATSR 177AD & 4/3 RNSWR

  6. #4
    Advisory Panel Surpmil's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Last On
    @
    Location
    West side
    Posts
    4,707
    Local Date
    04-30-2024
    Local Time
    07:10 PM
    Something odd going on here with all those file marks:

    Attachment 58278
    “There are invisible rulers who control the destinies of millions. It is not generally realized to what extent the words and actions of our most influential public men are dictated by shrewd persons operating behind the scenes.”

    Edward Bernays, 1928

    Much changes, much remains the same.

  7. #5
    Legacy Member gsimmons's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Last On
    02-23-2024 @ 02:42 PM
    Location
    Western North Carolina
    Posts
    1,368
    Local Date
    04-30-2024
    Local Time
    09:10 PM
    It does look different doesn't it.Attachment 58279

  8. #6
    FREE MEMBER
    NO Posting or PM's Allowed
    RobD's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Last On
    12-14-2023 @ 03:21 AM
    Location
    UK / South Africa
    Posts
    942
    Local Date
    05-01-2024
    Local Time
    03:10 AM
    That filing on the wood is unexpected. Also the barrel band just in front of the dial sight is re-blued. Neither are deal-breakers, but both suggest this is not a "sleeper" which has lain untouched waiting to be pciked up by a collector - but a rifle which has already been in the hands of at least one "enthusiast" and is thus being sold for a reason. Often the reason with long Lees is that the barrel is shot out and the rifle can no longer group. I suggest check the bore carefully, and if at all possible try out on the range before buying.

  9. #7
    Advisory Panel Thunderbox's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Last On
    01-10-2022 @ 02:07 PM
    Posts
    1,150
    Local Date
    05-01-2024
    Local Time
    02:10 AM
    Can we see the detail of the forend at the rear, with the rear volley sight raised?

    It would be interesting to see the state of the wood underneath the front volley sight plate as well.

    I suspect the forend is one of the later (1920s?) commercial types that had no volley sight inletting.

  10. #8
    Legacy Member Ridolpho's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2012
    Last On
    09-27-2022 @ 11:12 PM
    Location
    Province of Alberta, Canada
    Age
    66
    Posts
    1,019
    Local Date
    04-30-2024
    Local Time
    08:10 PM
    Why the cocking piece with no safety built in? Was this a commercial Lee Metford originally? If so the wood was probably replaced.

    Ridolpho

+ Reply to Thread

Similar Threads

  1. Rarity
    By Old Lancer in forum The Lee Enfield Knowledge Library Collectors Forum
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 11-06-2011, 04:48 AM
  2. Odd, Not or rarity?
    By RJW NZ in forum The Lee Enfield Knowledge Library Collectors Forum
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 11-04-2010, 05:25 AM
  3. 1916 SHTLE Enfield Rarity???
    By CelticCollector in forum The Lee Enfield Knowledge Library Collectors Forum
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 07-10-2010, 03:23 PM
  4. Another rarity-The Trapdoor 03
    By Bob Walker in forum M1903/1903A3/A4 Springfield Rifle
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 03-29-2009, 01:43 AM
  5. FS Long Lee speed pat BSA.Co (CGN Private Ad)
    By Badger in forum Appraisals, Fakery, Dispute Resolution & Mediation Forum
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 08-01-2007, 09:25 AM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts