SMLE No1 MkV

[Buccaneer]

Although not really a Troop Trials rifle as some 20,000 were made between 1922 & 1924 it never saw general use in the British Army. This particular example is from the later production being made in 1924, considering it is now 97 years old it is in pretty good condition. I have done nothing to it other than giving it a good clean, the knocks and dings are all part of its history.
Unlike the No1 MkVI it still looks like a SMLE but with the addition of the action mounted rear sight and the additional outer band to the rear of the nose cap, with no barrel mounted rear sight it also exhibits a full length rear hand guard.
The safety is special to this model and is marked with a "V". The rear sight can be held at 45 or 90 degrees by the spring operated ball held in the receiver but I have no idea why it needed to be held in the 45 degree position, any answers to that one??
The rifle is all matching and I have tried to show all of the relevant dates, numbers and marks, the butt disc is unmarked on the outside but the underside is marked with a broad arrow and an inspection stamp.

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