One of the rarest Rifle No. 1 Mark III*'s made

[Lance]

Fellow collectors, a new rifle has arrived. A mint, masterpiece of work that in the end has a sad ending. I am posting this on multiple boards as rifles like this do not come available often.

I became aware of the rarity of these rifles too late to take advantage of their initial release so when this example came up I committed to buying her.

A little history, Nepal’s Sundrijal Armory made the SMLE Mark III and III*. The Mark III during WW I with a total production of approximately 80 rifles and the Mark III* during WW II with production of slightly over 100. So for those collectors who want a rifle made by every rifle factory here is the toughest one.

Early Mark III rifles are generally in poor shape with poor overall quality and usually have had replacement parts. The Mark III* on the other hand can be found in near perfect condition with overall excellent quality.

My “new” rifle, s/n 107 (In Nagari script) is all matching and in next to perfect condition. I have not fully disassembled the rifle but almost every part is s/n’d. From initial observation: sling swivel, safety catch, cocking piece, bolt, barrel, rear sight, fore-end, nose-cap, front and rear hand guard. Parts without serial number: magazine, outer band (which bear no marks at all).

The wood type is unknown but has an interesting grain, I would appreciate any wood experts 2 cents on it.

From what I can tell it was made and never issued.

Information

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