Spotted a MLE for sale over the weekend

[Sentryduty]

Image shown from the Knowledge Library for illustrative purposed and is not the exact rifle I am describing



On Saturday I paid a visit to small town gun shop near my home and was surprised to spot a MLE on the rack. I was offered a look over of the rifle and from my very limited exposure to these rifles, it appeared nearly complete.

Overall the rifle has all of the major components in place, full stock and barrel, and still has the magazine chain, magazine cutoff, and dust cover on the bolt. However the volley sight is missing the rear aperture portion. The finish is mostly gone with some evidence of dry "powder" rust in the nooks of the cocking piece and safety. I am unsure if someone did a clean up and missed those little crevices or if the rifle wasn't cleaned properly on storage, but it doesn't show evidence of recent use. No oil on the action or residue from firing.

I did not examine the bore as I did not want to risk the possibility of damaging something on a rifle I did not intend to purchase.

Thinking back a few years ago a couple of firearms dealers in Canada were selling MLE's that they came across in varying condition, it is possible that this rifle is one of those recent sales, or it could be from a collection, I can't say.

The wrist was marked with 1896 as well as a couple other typical markings. I was informed the rifle is there on consignment and the asking price is $1500 (CDN). The store owner told me lots of people look at it and refuse to even consider the price. I would consider an offer but have that funding loosely earmarked for a Ross, and I personally think the asking price is a high, but could be out of my element on that assessment. I do not know the market values on any Pre-WWI Lee-Enfield's in Canada, I just do not encounter them.

If anyone is seriously interested purchasing in a rifle like this, let me know an I will forward the store location and contact along (Alberta, Canada), and if you would like photos, I could stop in and take some. That said, I have no affiliation with the seller or store, but as I am on the hunt for a couple of uncommon rifles myself, someone may appreciate the lead on an MLE such as this.

Information

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[browningautorifle]

They're not getting any more available, that's for sure. One time 30 years ago, I missed one with bayonet at $700 CDN here in Victoria. I knew that was my loss and it's been proven time and again. For a serious collector, it might be what it's going to cost...

[Ridolpho]

These older ones may be a bit of a bargain right now as their prices don't seem to have climbed along with WW1 SMLE's, etc. I picked up an 1898 MLE I with bayonet and sling for $900.00 a few weeks ago and a truly excellent example (matching bolt, very nice remaining finish) of a Mk I* dated 1901 at the Calgary Spring show last year for an even $1000.00. If I was ever to downsize and refocus it would probably be on these older beauties.

Ridolpho

[Eaglelord17]

Seems high for me especially considering the rear volley sight is broken. Last two MLEs I saw were at the SFRC by Kingston last summer, and they were listed at 1200 each, both looked like they were in great condition. Never did take a good look at them, as I didn't have the funds to be spending that type of money at that time, and knowing if I had handled them I likely would have bought them.

[Sentryduty]

I picked up an 1898 MLE I with bayonet and sling for $900.00 a few weeks ago and a truly excellent example (matching bolt, very nice remaining finish) of a Mk I* dated 1901 at the Calgary Spring show last year for an even $1000.00.

This is about what I personally felt was a fair price for this rifle, essentially "my" buy-in point if I were looking for one of these. So your purchase experience is a good data point for the market.

---------- Post added at 08:32 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:30 AM ----------

Last two MLEs I saw were at the SFRC by Kingston last summer, and they were listed at 1200 each,

These are the rifles I was thinking of and I wonder if this one was part of their batch. I deal with SFRC from time to time, and looked at their stock of MLE's online when they appeared but moved on simply because an MLE is not high on my must have list for some reason.

[Kman]

I know the rifle you are talking about sentry duty. It would clean up fairly nice, but the consigner refuses to go lower. Its been in the shop for over 2 years.

[Sentryduty]

I know the rifle you are talking about sentry duty. It would clean up fairly nice, but the consigner refuses to go lower. Its been in the shop for over 2 years.

Well, that is interesting to know, I imagine it may reside there some years longer, or someone will just have to have it even for the price.