The SMLE 1903-1989
Closed Thread
Page 1 of 6 1 2 3 ... LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 52

Thread: A mint unfired 42 Maltby, Trying to value it

Click here to increase the font size Click here to reduce the font size
  1. #1
    Legacy Member rayg's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Last On
    03-08-2024 @ 08:57 AM
    Location
    US
    Posts
    1,053
    Local Date
    03-28-2024
    Local Time
    04:27 AM

    A mint unfired 42 Maltby, Trying to value it

    Unfired except for proofing. Just trying to just set a sale price for it. I can't find another one like it for price comparison.
    I've had this rifle for many years but as I've hit my 80th birthday, it's time to move it on as I am selling off most of my collection. Problem is, it may be the only one, or at least one of a very few like it, that are still around in the condition it's in, being still mint and un fired, except for proofing, and it still has it's originally made disposable parts. Because of this I'm not sure what price to put on it and I'm just asking for a "general" ball park value from knowledgeable folks here so I can advertise it for sale. I know what used Maltby's generally sell for, but this one is like a museum piece and I can't find another one in the same condition for price comparison. Here are the photos and description, I would appreciate any value suggestions.
    I know it's not worth big bucks but it is unique and should be worth more then just an average Enfield. Thanks. Ray

    This is my inventory listing have I have of it.

    1942 dated unfired except for proofing, Maltby #16968 rifle with traces of cosmolineicon in it . The rifle has no US import stamps and no British added export stamps, (tons, Englandicon, etc). Besides it's mint condition, it is probably one of a very few, and even could be the only one still in existence that remains in the condition it is as it just it came off the assembly line in 1942 with the exception of the stock letters. In addition to it's rare condition, it was one that was made with the very early war expedient parts having the solid bolt handle, no grove striker knob, no half cock striker, altered safety, noticable by the open area behind the safety lever. As production caught up, these parts were removed and/or replaced. The stock has large FNR letters stamped on it. Unknown what those FNR letters stamps represent. The stock has large FNR letters stamped on it. Unknown what those FNR letters stamps represent. One suggestion it stands for Felixstowe Naval Reserve. Felixstowe is a port town on the East coast of England in the county of Suffolk. Or an arsenal inventory file. These are just guesses though. This is a fairly rare and colletable Enfield Rifleicon as it just may be the only one like it around still in mint/unfired except for proofing condition and with the expedient parts.
    Attachment 101239Attachment 101240Attachment 101241Attachment 101242Attachment 101243Attachment 101244Attachment 101245
    Information
    Warning: This is a relatively older thread
    This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.
    Last edited by Badger; 10-16-2019 at 06:13 AM.

  2. Thank You to rayg For This Useful Post:


  3. # ADS
    Friends and Sponsors
    Join Date
    October 2006
    Location
    Milsurps.Com
    Posts
    All Threads
    A Collector's View - The SMLE Short Magazine Lee Enfield 1903-1989. It is 300 8.5x11 inch pages with 1,000+ photo’s, most in color, and each book is serial-numbered.  Covering the SMLE from 1903 to the end of production in India in 1989 it looks at how each model differs and manufacturer differences from a collecting point of view along with the major accessories that could be attached to the rifle. For the record this is not a moneymaker, I hope just to break even, eventually, at $80/book plus shipping.  In the USA shipping is $5.00 for media mail.  I will accept PayPal, Zelle, MO and good old checks (and cash if you want to stop by for a tour!).  CLICK BANNER to send me a PM for International pricing and shipping. Manufacturer of various vintage rifle scopes for the 1903 such as our M73G4 (reproduction of the Weaver 330C) and Malcolm 8X Gen II (Unertl reproduction). Several of our scopes are used in the CMP Vintage Sniper competition on top of 1903 rifles. Brian Dick ... BDL Ltd. - Specializing in British and Commonwealth weapons Specializing in premium ammunition and reloading components. Your source for the finest in High Power Competition Gear. Here at T-bones Shipwrighting we specialise in vintage service rifle: re-barrelling, bedding, repairs, modifications and accurizing. We also provide importation services for firearms, parts and weapons, for both private or commercial businesses.
     

  4. #2
    Legacy Member GeeRam's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
    Last On
    03-18-2024 @ 03:21 PM
    Location
    Berkshire, UK
    Posts
    853
    Local Date
    03-28-2024
    Local Time
    10:27 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by rayg View Post
    I know it's not worth big bucks


    It would be several thousand pounds here in the UKicon, considering I've seen the odd unfired '55 dated Mk2 selling for £1500+ in the UK.

  5. Avoid Ads - Become a Contributing Member - Click HERE
  6. #3
    Legacy Member rayg's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Last On
    03-08-2024 @ 08:57 AM
    Location
    US
    Posts
    1,053
    Local Date
    03-28-2024
    Local Time
    04:27 AM
    Thread Starter
    Thanks much but I need a US price, Ray

  7. #4
    Administrator

    Site Owner
    Badger's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Last On
    @
    Location
    Toronto, Canada
    Age
    75
    Posts
    12,941
    Real Name
    Doug
    Local Date
    03-28-2024
    Local Time
    06:27 AM
    My Videos in Video Club
    12
    Nice piece Ray.

    Do you have any pics showing the front sight type and configuration?

    Thanks

    Regards
    Doug

  8. #5
    Legacy Member rayg's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Last On
    03-08-2024 @ 08:57 AM
    Location
    US
    Posts
    1,053
    Local Date
    03-28-2024
    Local Time
    04:27 AM
    Thread Starter
    It's the later front sight protector not the waisted one, Here's the photo, Ray
    Attachment 101258Attachment 101259

  9. The Following 2 Members Say Thank You to rayg For This Useful Post:


  10. #6
    Contributing Member CINDERS's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Last On
    03-25-2024 @ 11:01 AM
    Location
    South West Western Australia
    Posts
    7,734
    Real Name
    CINDERS
    Local Date
    03-28-2024
    Local Time
    06:27 PM
    People are asking 2-3K for their special No.4 rifle but they stay on the site for ever its the old addage I am afraid what someone is willing to pay there is a T on used guns here asking 8.5K not sure if its sold but if it does then thats good because I paid way less than that for mine, not as miserly figures some have paid here but still cheaper than 8.5K.
    Hope you get a sale......nice looking rifle.

  11. #7
    Advisory Panel Hambone's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Last On
    02-14-2024 @ 04:32 PM
    Posts
    90
    Local Date
    03-28-2024
    Local Time
    06:27 AM
    I'll add my comments on it: Since it lacks an "Englandicon" or BNP, and was not updated with the replacement of the solid wartime production expedient cocking piece (these are about $20-30 on epay) and sight to a Mk.I, and given that the "FNR" stock stamping cannot be found anywhere in any British listing of such abbreviations in any of the books or site forums and references I have, then my guess is that it was surplussed in the 1960s (as many were with countries going to 7.62 NATO) from Pakistan, India, Greece, Indonesia, Austriaicon, etc., etc. when these came in by the thousands in conex containers, pallet loads, etc. The "FNR" stamp is for one of these reserve units, governmental entities, finance, or police or security of some kind. There are many unissued condition "mint" No.4s that came in like, this, overwhelmingly Savage and LB. If it came in from England, it avoided postwar upgrades, BNP, and "ENGLAND" export stamps, which is unlikely to me. I have a Maltby that is close in condition, but with a grooved cocking piece that is likely original because my Maltby 42 is earlier. I won it at auction about 6 years ago for $350 IIRC. I think the Gunboards Enfield forum was spot on it valuing at exactly what I valued it at last year, $600-1000 in the US. You may get some bidding insanity on Gunbonker, but I believe at least some of the ridiculous prices you see there can be attributed to shill bidding, which distorts the actual market. The US Enfield market is not like the Enfield market in Australiaicon or the UK where highly restrictive gun control and supply is more limited than the US or even Canadaicon. I think the condition is very nice, exceptional, and a bonus. I think the "FNR" stamp is not a bonus and if it was mine it would be worth a little more not being on there. If someone wants a solid cocking piece they can replace that and I don't think one could tell if done properly. I welcome critique, correction, and such.
    Last edited by Hambone; 06-24-2019 at 02:45 PM.
    K98k Forum
    The K98k Forum

  12. #8
    Legacy Member Roy W's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2015
    Last On
    Yesterday @ 03:46 PM
    Location
    Hampshire
    Posts
    561
    Local Date
    03-28-2024
    Local Time
    05:27 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by GeeRam View Post


    It would be several thousand pounds here in the UKicon, considering I've seen the odd unfired '55 dated Mk2 selling for £1500+ in the UK.
    I don't think it would to be honest. The website 'By Sword by Musket' has a Savage Lend Lease, mint unused condition for £965

    The Irish Contract No.4 Mk2's go for £1000. Those sat on dealers racks for £1500 don't sell.

    I would say max value of this rifle is £1k in the UK. Why would anyone spend several thousand pounds on it, when they could get a No.4 T (Less Telescope) Rifle for less, or a No.4T for £3500 upwards/

  13. #9
    Legacy Member GeeRam's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
    Last On
    03-18-2024 @ 03:21 PM
    Location
    Berkshire, UK
    Posts
    853
    Local Date
    03-28-2024
    Local Time
    10:27 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by Roy W View Post
    I would say max value of this rifle is £1k in the UKicon. Why would anyone spend several thousand pounds on it, when they could get a No.4 T (Less Telescope) Rifle for less, or a No.4T for £3500 upwards/
    If a reputed proof fired only Savage (the least sought after in UK by a collector) is £1k then a similar condition Maltby (quite high sought after by collectors) has to min £1.5k, surely?
    (I do agree with the other poster that the unknown FNR stamped stock could be a turn off to a serious collector)

    And the few mint 'less telescope' 4T's I've seen have been way over £2k........and a collector won't be going anywhere near a £3.5k 4T, which at that price range that I've looked at are all mongrels or faked.

  14. #10
    Legacy Member Roy W's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2015
    Last On
    Yesterday @ 03:46 PM
    Location
    Hampshire
    Posts
    561
    Local Date
    03-28-2024
    Local Time
    05:27 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by GeeRam View Post
    If a reputed proof fired only Savage (the least sought after in UKicon by a collector) is £1k then a similar condition Maltby (quite high sought after by collectors) has to min £1.5k, surely?
    Perhaps, but still less than the 'several thousands of pounds' the first suggestion was

Closed Thread
Page 1 of 6 1 2 3 ... LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. SP 1 Unfired?
    By Boonie Stomper in forum M16A2/AR15A2 Rifles
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 07-01-2017, 04:24 PM
  2. Mint 1942 Maltby with extras
    By rayg in forum The Lee Enfield Knowledge Library Collectors Forum
    Replies: 30
    Last Post: 04-15-2015, 05:59 PM
  3. Unfired '03A3...now what?
    By mikewestman in forum M1903/1903A3/A4 Springfield Rifle
    Replies: 18
    Last Post: 06-30-2014, 02:29 PM
  4. A new unfired T ?
    By RJW NZ in forum The Lee Enfield Knowledge Library Collectors Forum
    Replies: 19
    Last Post: 08-31-2011, 10:30 PM
  5. My new $100 unfired/mint Enfield
    By rayg in forum The Lee Enfield Knowledge Library Collectors Forum
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 09-01-2009, 11:24 PM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts