Whats a No 1 Mark III worth ?

[grubbylags]

Several people recommended this forum to ask about this rifle that my Mom has.

It seems to have every thing original all the wood sights and matching numbers on the bolt and receiver. Not sure if I can post pics since I just signed up, but I have some I could email to if you would like.

Thanks for any help

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.

[Roger Payne]

Welcome! Try & get some pictures posted - they speak a thousand words.

ATB.

[5thBatt]

Grubbylags photos.

[Ridolpho]

Grubbylags: Since you didn't include a photo of the right side of the buttsocket I'm going to assume it has nothing visible? This is an Ishapore (India) rifle, possibly a type which involved salvage of older receivers which were cleaned of earlier markings, re-barreled and generally built into a new rifle. The '39 under the "FR" may be the date although it isn't within the '41-'75 window that Robert Edwards suggests for this type in "Indias Enfields" Maybe the '43 above is the actual date? . Roberts calls it "Factory repair- Type 2". He also indicates 150,000 (approx) were converted in this program so not exactly rare. For value more detail is needed. For example, is the forend numbered to the rifle, etc. An interesting variant and I'd sure like to have one in my collection.

Ridolpho

[grubbylags]

There are no markings on the wood at all. On the very end just below the muzzle there appears to be part of the bayonet attaching point, it has the guns serial number on it.

[Ridolpho]

grubbylags: the forend is probably a replacement as it doesn't appear to be the usual Indian ('32 and on) version with backstrap ala No. 4 and spring washer in the butt. If you are inclined to disassemble the rifle be sure not to unscrew the buttstock bolt without first removing the forend (you'll see why once you have it apart!). Best bet is to not touch it until you've done a lot of reading about them (including old threads on this forum). So, as it stands you have matching (although not necessarily originally matching) receiver, bolt, and nosecap. You may also find numbers on the underside of the rear sight leaf and on the thickened portion of the barrel adjacent to the numbers you see on the action-body. To see the numbers on the barrel reinforce you need to remove the lower handguard.

Ridolpho

[grubbylags]

Thanks for the help and information. And thanks to 5thBatt for posting my pictures

[Peter Laidler]

If you need to know what it's worth in order to sell it, why not take it to a few gun shops and see what they'll give you. Then haggle. Because if we give you an 'over the phone' price, haggle is JUST what the prospective buyer is going to do to you, believe me!