Two more from Poulin's

[Lance]

Two more unusual examples from Poulins, then the interesting stuff.

First, a slightly unusual SMLE Mk I** IP, type 3 (Robert Edwards breakdown), not an intended purchase but was part of the lot.

A summary of R. Edwards notes on the Mk I** IP. There were three type examples, Type 1 was a conversion of SMLE Mk I, I*'s to SMLE Mk III configuration, Type 2 seems to represent "refurbishment" of SMLE Mk III, III*, and Type 3 was a conversion of MLE, CLLE receivers to Mk III status where "all original markings were removed". Numbers published are 180,000 converted in total, Type 1= 150,000, Type 2= 10,000, and Type 3= 20,000.

Last two photo's are of the Type 1 & 2 markings for reference.

Information

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[Lance]

The second rifle is a Rifle No. 2 Mk IV*, a common rifle, but this girl does have some history.

Starting her existence as LSA 1901 MLE Mk I* in 1908 she was sent to Enfield for upgrade to SMLE ConD IV. After the great war it appears she was sent to Australia and issued to the 3MD in September of 1919 with a rack number of 437. When she was first converted to a No. 2 Mk IV* is unknown but now sports a June 1951 dated matched Lithgow barrel. Fifty years and still going strong.