A Query For The Collector Minded

[5thBatt]

SpikeDD, the MkIII did not turn into the MkIII* it is a stand alone model.

The LoC of 1916 is in 2 parts, the first part lists modifications to the future manufacter of the MkIII not what defines a MkIII*
Part 2 introduces the MkIII* which may embody modifications listed in part 1



The only difference between a MkIII & a MkIII* is the cutoff slot.
What configuration the early MkIII*s came out in is a bit of an unknown but from the LoC the only difference may have been the cutoff slot as the LoC clearly states the MkIII* may embody modifications listed in part 1 so they could have any of the early features, if not all.

Ironcally what i believe from references i have read the original MkIII* pattern was to be what we know as a post 1916 MkIII with a cutoff.

[SpikeDD]

Thank you, Sir. Having refreshed my reading, that does make sense. My interest merely lies in how early the changes started in 1915. The Enfield example I have has none of the early features except windage adjustable rear sight and the swivel lugs on the trigger guard.

[SpikeDD]

Well... this kinda opens the gap a bit. A post on another sight shows the asterisk on a rifle early in the "A" prefix...

1915 Enfield Mark III A2075
1915 Enfield Mark III* A 3103

Damn, Peter, that's a long time waiting for the paper to catch up!

[5thBatt]

Something to watch out for in your quest is the 1916 ENFIELD MkIII some of which were assembled using Mk1 SMLE & earlier LongLee receivers from different manufactures & stamped as 1916 MkIIIs


Note the Mk1 SMLE sliding bolthead rear stop nib.


Note BSA inspection stamps rear of the action just above the butt, so originally a BSA action.


Some can be hard to spot or just get missed, especially the LongLee actions but some still wear the earlier proof stamp which would help with id
Mine still has a ER proof on the receiver.

[5thBatt]

The more i think about this the more i think your task will be full of errors, too many variables including the practice of renumbering receivers to the barrel, the reallocation of serial numbers, conversions that were renumbered, replacement receivers..........

ETA when they were warned their rifles could be rejected, no doubt some MkIII* receivers would have been held back & assembled later.

[SpikeDD]

I've seen those Mk.I receiver 1916 dated before....interesting example of reusing parts for sure. I mentioned in an earlier post the difficulty in finding 1916 Mk.III's and have yet to acquire one for my collection. I agree the task would be full of errors but I'm not trying to establish an exact science about it.... I was just curious about how early it may have started in 1915. We already have a spread from "A" suffix to "Q" suffix....that's pretty broad, nearly all of 1915.

[5thBatt]

I've seen those Mk.I receiver 1916 dated before....interesting example of reusing parts for sure. I mentioned in an earlier post the difficulty in finding 1916 Mk.III's and have yet to acquire one for my collection. I agree the task would be full of errors but I'm not trying to establish an exact science about it.... I was just curious about how early it may have started in 1915. We already have a spread from "A" suffix to "Q" suffix....that's pretty broad, nearly all of 1915.

You have to take into account the A suffix may come after the Q so may be a spread of Q though A

[Surpmil]

Question Regarding Volley or Long Range Sights on the No 1 Mk III