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  1. #11
    Legacy Member twh's Avatar
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    John,

    Did you note the matching last four digits scribed on the top of the bolt handle? As Brian stated it appears to be a Greek return albeit with a nice as rebuilt finish.

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    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. #12
    Advisory Panel Brian Dick's Avatar
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    Cosine26, You'd better read my post again.

    I'll stick to my statement that the OP's rifle is a Greek return, just like mine. At any rate, he's flown the coop. Nuff said!

    Brian

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    Contributing Member mrclark303's Avatar
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    The Greeks seem to have had a lot of US aid Brian, I assume it was Marshall Plan related?

    Obviously with a provisor they had to be returned.

    I had a suncorite painted Garandicon years ago, rough as nails, I always assumed that was ex Greek service, as I hear a good number were poorly stored.

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  9. #14
    Deceased May 2nd, 2020 Cosine26's Avatar
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    Brian Dickicon
    My apologies, I just reread your post'

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  11. #15
    Advisory Panel Brian Dick's Avatar
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    There were lots of No.4's sent to the Greeks from Canadaicon too. I imported a couple hundred in 2001 that were former Greek Army Reserve issue. All very nice and well looked after except for handling marks on the woodwork, but with no distinct Greek ownership markings other than the odd sticker on the butt with the name and address of the troop to whom issued. The CMPicon Springfields had stock patches and repairs that spoke to me because it was obvious the Armourers had been trained by the Britishicon and Commonwealth. Some also had the black dip finish, (whatever it is). You seldom see handguards repaired on U.S. weapons because they just tossed them in the bin and installed a new one. Not so elsewhere where parts and pieces were at a premium. Anyhow, they had lots of character. My favorite shooter is a Springfield with a 5-30 barrel, in it's original SA C stock with original cartouches still intact and a San Antonio Arsenal rebuild stamp.

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    Deceased May 2nd, 2020 Cosine26's Avatar
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    I do not want to use the term “mint” but at one time there were some NEW 03A3 Rifles available through the DCM. The Army was required to separate these as there was an 11% excise tax on all new firearms during WWII. After the excise tax was rescinded, the terms were either serviceable or unserviceable. In the final sell off of 03A3 rifles they were sold as “unclassified”.
    Here is an excerpt from the October 1947 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN Magazine:

    https://imgur.com/okQT8UL\

    FWIW

  14. #17
    Contributing Member mrclark303's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Brian Dickicon View Post
    There were lots of No.4's sent to the Greeks from Canadaicon too. I imported a couple hundred in 2001 that were former Greek Army Reserve issue. All very nice and well looked after except for handling marks on the woodwork, but with no distinct Greek ownership markings other than the odd sticker on the butt with the name and address of the troop to whom issued. The CMPicon Springfields had stock patches and repairs that spoke to me because it was obvious the Armourers had been trained by the Britishicon and Commonwealth. Some also had the black dip finish, (whatever it is). You seldom see handguards repaired on U.S. weapons because they just tossed them in the bin and installed a new one. Not so elsewhere where parts and pieces were at a premium. Anyhow, they had lots of character. My favorite shooter is a Springfield with a 5-30 barrel, in it's original SA C stock with original cartouches still intact and a San Antonio Arsenal rebuild stamp.
    Interesting stuff, as ever Brian. Your 1903 sounds like a beauty, my A4 build is fitted with a late war "big belly" Keystone C stock, much fuller in profile than the earlier C stocks and not as nice to shoot in my opinion.

  15. #18
    Advisory Panel Brian Dick's Avatar
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    The wood had more than it's fair share of handling marks. It also sports the Greek black finish. I seldom sand woodwork but since my CMPicon purchases are not for resale, I decided to clean up the battered wood and although it still has some deep handling marks, the figure in the wood is lovely and I did stay off the markings so it turned out pretty nice. I was lucky to have a correct nickel steel bolt body so I installed it but that's the only changes I made. It's a presentable rifle with a LOT of history and shoots good too. Well worth the $450 that CMP was asking for them at the time. I ordered two with C stocks, the other is a RIA with a wartime Keystone like yours and I just lucked out on the other one. I also ordered two straight stocks, one a RIA and the other a Springfield plus the Remington 1903A3.

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  17. #19
    Deceased May 2nd, 2020 Cosine26's Avatar
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    Here is more 03A3 Sales Info

    Imgur: The magic of the Internet

    FWIW

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  19. #20
    Advisory Panel Chuckindenver's Avatar
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    the black finish on Greek returns is black oxide {hot salts blue} done over the old finish.
    warpath metal finishing contact info.
    molinenorski@msn.com
    720-841-1399 during normal bus, hours.

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