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    Legacy Member 728shooter's Avatar
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    Enfield SMLE Mk1*** Question

    Hoping to get some info on a rifle I acquired a while back. Its an SMLE Mk1*** dated 1903, with additional date stamps of '04, '05, '06 and '07 on the wrist band. Bore looks great, seems to be all there as far as original equipment except that the mag cut-off has been removed. Also appears that it has been refinished by either an arsenal or a previous owner. Have read that there were less than 1,000 of these made in '03 but not much else.

    Can't find any others like it listed anywhere, was wondering what the value of something like this would be. Also, is it safe to shoot mil-surp .303 ammo in it?

    Appreciate any & all comments. Thanks, --728shooter
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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.
     

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    Advisory Panel Lance's Avatar
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    The exact number of SMLE Mark I's produced by Enfield in 1903 is unknown but I can tell you it is at least 2,500. Most were upgraded throughout their service life, many like yours to an SMLE Mark I***. Value depends on condition as the Mark I*** is the most common early SMLE model. If it has been refinished post service its value will most likely be dictated by its shooting ability and yes, it is ok for commercial or Mark VII ammunition. Posting pictures of your rifle will help. Happy holidays!

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    Legacy Member Mk VII's Avatar
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    The taxpayers got their money's worth from that one.

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    My Enfield 1903 went to India

    My Enfield 1903 went to India where it was updated in 1914Attachment 113483Attachment 113484Attachment 113485

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    Legacy Member Alan de Enfield's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Lance View Post
    The exact number of SMLE Mark I's produced by Enfield in 1903 is unknown but I can tell you it is at least 2,500. Most were upgraded throughout their service life, many like yours to an SMLE Mark I***. Value depends on condition as the Mark I*** is the most common early SMLE model. If it has been refinished post service its value will most likely be dictated by its shooting ability and yes, it is ok for commercial or Mark VII ammunition. Posting pictures of your rifle will help. Happy holidays!
    Not 1903 alone :

    Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield
    1903 to 1907 Mk 1 and Mk 1* 193,644

    Royal Small Arms Factory, Sparkbrook
    1903 to 1906 Mk 1 14,640

    Birmingham Small Arms Company (BSA)
    1903 to 1906 MK 1 and Mk 1* 150,000

    London Small Arms Company (LSA)
    1903 to 1906 Mk 1 and Mk 1* 65,000

    Ishapore Rifle Company (India)
    1906 to 1909 Mk 1* 3,000
    Last edited by Alan de Enfield; 12-25-2020 at 08:39 AM.
    Mine are not the best, but they are not too bad. I can think of lots of Enfields I'd rather have but instead of constantly striving for more, sometimes it's good to be satisfied with what one has...

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    Legacy Member 728shooter's Avatar
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    Not sure where mine was made, under the crown its stamped E.R. Can I assume that this was made at the Enfield factory? Also, the serial number on it is 7449 (no prefix).
    Last edited by 728shooter; 12-26-2020 at 11:03 PM.

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    Legacy Member Alan de Enfield's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by 728shooter View Post
    Not sure where mine was made, under the crown its stamped E.R. Can I assume that this was made at the Enfield factory? Also, the serial number on it is 7449 (no prefix).

    ER is "Edward Rex" (King Edward VII)

    Reigned 1901 (after the death of his mother Queen Victoria) until 1910 (when he died).
    Mine are not the best, but they are not too bad. I can think of lots of Enfields I'd rather have but instead of constantly striving for more, sometimes it's good to be satisfied with what one has...

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