Scarce British SMLE Mk.I*** Military Rifle
ON HOLD
Caliber: . 303 Enfield
Price: $1750
Inventory # ler_0158
Pictures:
|
DESCRIPTION: Very scarce British
SMLE Mk.I*** military rifle! This was a predecessor of the
more common No.1 Mk.III series produced from pre-WWI throughout
WWII. The rifle was manufactured by Birmingham Small Arms
Company in 1904 as a Mk.I, as stated on the right side of
the buttstock socket. The rifle was consequently upgraded to
accept the Mark VII HV ammunition, as indicated by markings on
the barrel, just behind the rear sights. The model designation
is stamped below the maker name and a date on the right side
of the buttstock socket: "ShtLE I***". The
single shot cut is still with the rifle. Complete with
a long range dial sight on the left side of the stock. The
right side of the buttstock displays a brass regimental ring
with the following markings, "NPP 7 29 1478".
Correct for this model brass buttplate with a trap. The rifle
has an original charger guide on the right side of the bolt head.
Matching serial numbers on the receiver, bolt and nosecap
(force matched by the arsenal). Mismatched number on the rear
sights (British arsenals quite often did not restamp the number
on this part). Correct, Mk.I style nosecap. Correct rear sight.
CONDITION: Fine+. 96% of blue finish is still remaining
on metal. The balance is turning to brownish patina (mainly on
the barrel band and nosecap). All the internal parts of the rifle
are in fine+ condition as well, with no visible wear. All the
markings and numbers on metal are clearly visible. Bore is
in fine condition with shiny rifling. Strong action. Nice,
smooth stocks with minor handling marks. The right side of the
buttstock has small arsenal repairs, with two blocks of wood
nicely replaced (typical arsenal repairs). The front handguard
has a hairline crack. The rear handguard has two hairline cracks.
No import markings. Hard to find early SMLE Mk.I*** rifle
in very collectible condition! The rifle comes from my family
member collection of military firearms (please, pay by check,
money order, or bank wire transfer only). Serial# G7XX. (Ref.
"The Lee Enfield Story", by Ian Skennerton,
p. 402). |
Savage Experimental Rifle (made in the British SMLE Style)
Caliber: . 303 Enfield
Price: $9500
Inventory # mlr_0116
Pictures:
|
DESCRIPTION: One of the kind
Savage experimental bolt action rifle! There is no information
on this rifle available in known to me Savage reference literature.
The rifle was, most likely, manufactured during the World War
One. The style of the rifle copies the lines of British military
Lee Enfield (SMLE) rifles. One piece (!) SMLE style walnut
stock with a pistol grip and a full length handguard. The front
sight/nosecap assembly, rear sights, brass buttplate and magazine
are taken from standard SMLE rifle and they show British markings
(and old serial numbers on the magazine and nosecap only). The
caliber is standard British military .303 Enfield. This may
lead to the conclusion that the rifle was offered to the British
military during the Great War, or at least, was intended for
some kind of British military trials. The rifle features
very sturdy, military style bolt action. In fact, the latter
is very similar to the action utilized in Savage Model 1920 rifle,
just the bolt seems to be slightly longer. This rifle may
be a predecessor of Savage Model 1920! The trigger guard
and a single shot cut off are missing from the rifle, and there
is no sign that they were ever installed. Perhaps, the rifle
was never completed by the Savage factory. The left side of the
buttstock displays a brass disc with following markings, "Made
by Savage Arms Co., Utica, N.Y., U.S.A.". The serial
number is stamped only on the right side of the receiver ring.
No other markings are present on the rifle. Complete with a long
range dial sight on the left side of the stock. The bolt cocking
piece is also a safety device. It can be turned left and right
and is marked accordingly, "Safe" and "Fire".
Two sling swivels. Bayonet lug on the nosecap. One barrel band.
Brass buttplate with a trap. Overall length: 46 inch. Barrel
length: 25.5 inch. CONDITION: The rifle would be in excellent
condition, if not for missing (uninstalled) parts. 96% of
original blue finish is still remaining on metal. The balance
is in white mixed with some light patina. Some finish is turning
to brownish color. Most of the wear is on the magazine, barrel
band and nosecap. The SMLE magazine shows some roughness and
some handling marks. The SMLE nosecap shows two small spots of
pitting. Nice, smooth stock in original finish, with some handling
marks and light dings. No cracks in wood. All the markings on
metal are clearly visible. Excellent+ bore with strong and
shiny rifling. Crisp action. All the internal parts
of the rifle are in excellent condition, with no visible wear.
One of the kind Savage experimental bolt action rifle from
the time of the Great War! Serial# 97XX. |
