Front volley sight question - Lee Metford and early Enfields

[Florey55]

Greetings all,

When Metford and early MLM/Enfields left the factory, how were the front volley sights finished?

1. All black.
2. All in the white
3. Pointer black and dial in the white?
4. Some other combination?

Thanks

Information

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[Terrylee]

I have eleven Long Lees ranging from MLM Mk I* to MLE Mk I*, conditions ranging from good to excellent. In virtually all cases the present colouring of the dial sights, front and rear, matches that of the barrel. I have no doubt that they were originally the same.

[Florey55]

I have eleven Long Lees ranging from MLM Mk I* to MLE Mk I*, conditions ranging from good to excellent. In virtually all cases the present colouring of the dial sights, front and rear, matches that of the barrel. I have no doubt that they were originally the same.

Thanks for the response.

11? I am envious.

You wouldn't consider parting with one would you? BTW - I am from Cape Town

[RobD]

Florey, keep an eye on the auctions at Classic Arms (Witbank): Collectable and modern guns, mail orders auctions
There are generally several Long Lees in each auction, prices around R5000 to R8000

[WillSarchet]

Florey, keep an eye on the auctions at Classic Arms (Witbank): Collectable and modern guns, mail orders auctions
There are generally several Long Lees in each auction, prices around R5000 to R8000

That's it? Do they export to the US? Because that's at the top end less than a third of what they usually go for here.

[RobD]

Will, I suggest contact the auctioneer (Andrew Soutar) about the feasibility of export to the USA.

FWIW, here are the winning bids on four Long Lees sold at last month's auction:
Lot F 6 .303 BSA "Long Lee" L.E.1 Service Rifle R 7000.00
Lot F 7 .303 "Long Lee" L.E.1* Service Rifle R 5500.00
Lot F 8 .303 C.L.L.E. Service Rifle R 4000.00
Lot F 9 .303 "Long Lee" L.E.1* Service Rifle R 4000.00

To this sum you need to add the buyer's commission, shipping, and import duties payable at your end. You'll probably save some money, but the down side is not being able to verify the condition of the bore, and the impossibility of returning the rifle if you are unhappy.
Also note: many South African Long Lees have been re-barrelled and have had a sight upgrade by the SA defence force. This could be a good thing or a bad thing depending on what you want it for.

[WillSarchet]

Rob, I will certainly do that. For a price comparison a very rough or even sporterized SMLE MkIII can run about R 4000/280 USD here in the states. Generally speaking you can't touch a Long Lee for less than 2k USD/R 28.500, so even if I spend as much on the fees and duties as I do on the rifle I will come out significantly ahead. Not being able to inspect it is a bit of a downer but that's normal for here too as most Long Lees would be in auctions unlikely to be anywhere near me.

[Daan Kemp]

The Classic Arms auction house has a reputation of quality service. AFAIK they will export to the USA.

[Surpmil]

Interesting question as at some point the finish for such parts became oil blackening with what appears to be some sort of lacquer over it(?)

Presumably this would have been much less work and therefore cheaper than the hand-carding required for a rust blue finish.

The oil-blacked finish seems to have continued right up to the trials No.4s of the early '30s.