No. 1 Mk. I Value

[ChipS]

Greetings. I'm new to this forum - generally hang around the M1 Carbine forum. I do have an interest in Enfields and I would appreciate an educated wild guess as to a reasonable offer for a 1905 (?) dated No. 1 Mk. I Lee Enfield that has been sporterized by cutting off and rounding the stock just above the lower band. The blued metal finish looks original, the volley sights are still present, and the front sight looks original to me (barrel not cut), but I am not real familiar with a Mk. I SMLE. I don't know if the correct restoration parts are available anywhere, and if so at what cost, and what the rifle would be worth if restored. FWIW the dealer wants $250 as-is, I offered him $125 and the thing has been sitting on his shelf for about 8 months. TIA for any advice. ChipS

Information

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[ssj]

If the barrel is original, unaltered and in good nick and the other metal work good then it suggests it is worth restoring. Pictures paint a 1000 words.

[Frederick303]

If it is a SMLE MK I, then the value in part depends on if it is a MK I, MK I*, MK I** or MK I***

in the US Of A the MK I *** is fairly common and hard to restore to its full glory if sported with the forend cut down and reshaped, so a price of 125~150 might be in order.

If it is a MK I* or MK I**, they are far rarer in the US of A and the value will be correspondingly higher, especially if it is only the wood forward the rear band that is missing. The wood forward of that point can be grafted on and in that case 250 is a far deal to the right person. front band can be had at Springfield sporters

I do not think I have ever seen a pure MK I.

[superbee]

I have a 1904 Mk I SMLE
How do I know if it is "pure" so to speak?
What changes were made from a MK I to a Mk I*?

[Badger]

Check the MKL for 130 pic photo montage of an all correct ....

1903 ShtLE (Short Lee-Enfield) Mk1 Rifle
(Mfg by LSA - London Small Arms)

The rifle shown in the picture virtual tour is in "like new" museum quality condition. It's an LSA (London Small Arms) pre-production rifle marked Patent 19.145/90. It was a presentation piece that came complete with matching bayonet/scabbard/frog & original black leather sling. It is double serial number marked with LSA's commercial serial # 66 and also with a military serial # 37E.

Earliest configuration ShtLE, just after the completion of the trials pattern. It has the early pattern swivels (rear is a screw-in), large swivels, sheet metal butt plate no trap, early magazine with loop on floorplate, c/w "chain" link to attach the magazine. It has the windage adjustable sight with bone knobs.

Regards,
Doug