The New Zealand CLLE Mk1 mystery

[Roy]

So i've managed to get another CLLE mk1 here in NZ, this one is 'range pattern' length but is matched all over including the rear sight.

From the three observed CLLE mkI with NZ provenance (two in my collection) all have a '15 over stamp on the action, and my matched one has a '15 on the barrel indicating a probable fitting and conversion in 1915. None have factory conversion stamps (eg ENFIELD 1910) But all have a BM on the action, and the matched one has BM on the knox form and bolt knob. There seems to be no proof what BM is, though BR according to Skennerton is Birmingham repair.
All examples are 'N' Navy marked as well as being Home Guard marked to Auckland, (1/HG) and Whangarei (3/HG)

The matched CLLE has an interesting charger bridge in the fact it extends below the level of the ejector screw, though i'm not sure what the standard CLLE was like as the one on my other CLLE appears to have been replaced as part of a prior restoration. The rear sight is graduated to 1800 yards

Does any one else have a CLLE mkI with the '15 and BM stamps but with no factory conversion mark? or did that whole batch end up in NZ perhaps aboard a ship transferred to the NZ Navy?

Regrettably the buttplate tang markings are scrubbed.

Any insights are appreciated.

Roy

CLLE MkI by Roy Kum | Photobucket

Information

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[S-A-M3]

Hi Roy, I have 2 , aMk1 and a Mk1*,neither have the markings you said.i also know of 2 others but don`t know what the Markings are . Stuart.

[Simon P]

BM is normally Birmingham Military Proof, these proofs were done at the Birmingham Proof House, have seen these on all types of Lee Enfield & Lee Metfords incuding lee Speed Sporters.


I assume its denotes same proof load as applied at the ordnance factories.

[Roy]

Thanks Stuart and Simon

Stuart.

Does your Mk1 have a hand stamped CLLE mark, a factory mark, or no CLLE mark denoting a commercial conversion. I know of a few BSA commercial conversions now. Are your CLLE range pattern length?

Simon.

Is the BM a military proof for military arms only? also is the 'Nitro Proof' mark a military or civilian proof.

Roy

[coggansfield]

Roy,

The odd charger bridge is the short-lived first pattern bridge. I have a couple of CLLEs (no star). One has a normal (second pattern) bridge and the other has a first pattern bridge. The one with the first pattern is a navy conversion, probably 1915. The conversion cypher just says "C.L.L.E." over "I", above an older "N" for navy stamp. See Skennerton's 2007 Lee-Enfield book, p. 154. I'll bet you that your bridge is (a) made by BSA and (b) is not bevelled at the front fright, too. Can you confirm?

Coggo

[S-A-M3]

Hi Roy, just seen your reply, Both rifles have been converted by the RN,the CLLE marking is on the left hand side of the action[so conversions],the Mk1 is in Range Rifle pattern,the MK1* is original,so neither are BSA commercial patterns!!. Stuart.

[Sparkbrook]

Following with interest as I too have a CLLE inbound, Sparkbrook LE1* action but no conversion markings

[Roy]

Hi Coggo

Are any of your CLLE I conversion marks 'hand stamped' like mine? what do you mean by bevelled at the front fright (sight/right)? Do you have any pics of the markings?