SMLE III (No. 1 Mk. 3) Lee Enfield

[browningautorifle]

Close, looked to be converted from III*.

They were new made? Or just converted?

[Eaglelord17]

Good stuff, I guess we shall find out about the stock when it comes in. I don't normally deal in Enfields so this is a good opportunity to learn. Hopefully it is original, I wasn't intending on buying a restored sporter.

[browningautorifle]

Hopefully it is original

Looking forward to seeing it then...

[mrclark303]

I think someone has "rather enthusiastically" sanded the woodwork, it looks like it would benefit from a light red scotchbrite, a colour treatment and a really good Raw linseed oil treatment.

[5thBatt]

1911 BSA with cancelled sale mark






Aussie Naval markings on the butt




Not as clear as my first photo but shows the cancelled sale mark on the barrel as well

[5thBatt]

I think Australian's and New Zealand's did much the same thing with serviceable Gun Club Enfield's being requisitioned for war service.

I've often wondered if any ever made it back to their owners post war..

Stands to reason we in the UK did the same thing. Looking forward to the pics of your rifle Eaglelord when you get her.

I have a sporter MLE with the owners name & address stamped (neatly) on the butt, suspect it might have stamped by the owner so he got it back from the Home Guard which appears to have happened as the rifle was sold on by a relative of the guy.
Will post a photo later when i get home from work

[Eaglelord17]

That is a beautiful BSA, definitely jealous!

I saved the photos to my computer and tried zooming in more, I think I can see the indent in the stock where the pointer would sit for the forward volley sight (the repro doesn't seem to have it), however I will have to wait until it arrives to give the final analysis. Apparently according to the shipping tracker it might even arrive today!

[Eaglelord17]

It arrived hurray! The bore is actually in much better shape than I thought it would be. I will be sure to get more photos tomorrow (and better quality ones), but I need to eat and go to work now.

I think the stock is original, it does have the proper cut-out for the volley sight pointer, and the volley sight plate is pitted (see photo). I do also think it was sanded, but I am not the best at identifying that type of thing. Bolt matches the rifle which is awesome, and it is smooth. Definitely going to have to do a mad minute with this at some point!

[Homer]

The volley sight recess looks like a recent addition.

[mrclark303]

I have a sporter MLE with the owners name & address stamped (neatly) on the butt, suspect it might have stamped by the owner so he got it back from the Home Guard which appears to have happened as the rifle was sold on by a relative of the guy.
Will post a photo later when i get home from work

I look forward to it. Your BSA is beautiful example too!