Naval SMLE ConD II**

[Lance]

Finally, one of my wish list. Here is the reason for the road trip to Maine and Poulin’s auction, a rare (to me) SMLE ConD II**. I fell in love with Buccaneer's (https://www.milsurps.com/showthread....ight=cond+navy) example a few years back and when this one came available, it was a must. The bad is that it has a mis-matched bolt and rear sight and is DP marked. The good is that the original barrel is present giving some hint at its history.

Based on the markings and educated guessing. It started out as a 1901 Enfield MLE Mk I*, in 1905 she was upgraded at Enfield to a SMLE ConD II. Then in January 1910 it was modified to SMLE ConD II** when in Naval service; in late 1912 (based on the ’12 on the receiver) she was upgraded again with the fixed charger bridge and sighted with Mk VII ammo, finished and marked again on the barrel January 1913. Interestingly the front sight protector ears were not straightened. After a very hard life it was downgraded to DP status and at this point possibly released from Naval service as the “N” has been cancelled on the receiver. Whoever downgraded it to DP was very zealous as he marked the forend on either side, the rear hand guard and the butt on either side. The receiver escaped being DP marked. Finally, from the internet, possibley an example in action.

Not a pure textbook example, but a very rare Naval SMLE. Now to find a SMLE ConD II***……

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[mmppres]

very nice