1916 WW I G.R. NoI Mk III* S.M.L.E. by Enfield………(F 1046)

 SMLE by Enfield for 1916 with Canadian marking

Built entirely to military specification by Enfield to equip the British Army in World War One.  Chambered in .303 British with a ten shot detachable box magazine.  It could be loaded through the loading bridge mounted upon the action or by loading the magazine when out of the rifle.  There are groves in the loading bridge that take the stripper-clips to aid rapid loading.  This was a great advantage over the opposing Mauser used by the Imperial German army who’s rifles were only able to hold 5 rounds.  When the Germans first ran into 12 man sections of British Tommeys’ armed with the SMLE they assumed they had run into British machine guns, as the rate of fire was so high from a well trained squad.

This SMLE measures 44.1/8″ in overall length.  The round enclosed barrel is 25″ long.  The trigger Pull to centre is 12.3/4″.  Fully stocked in a dark walnut with handguards over the barrel the rifle has the classic WW I silhouette with the stubby or flat front end.  (The rear hand guard has suffered the shortening of the fingers which is not uncommon on these rifles and can be remedied at a small charge if required.)  This would be further recognisable by the pattern 1907 bayonet which fitted on the end.

This SMLE shows many of the modifications that earnt the rifle its * in designation but retains the early “D” shaped cocking piece.  The serial numbers on the barrel (concealed) the receiver ring, and the rear of the bolt arm all match and are “C 9057”.  This means the whole rifle has stayed together through its long life. Even-so the bore is in very good condition with no pitting or misting. The nose cap incorporating the bayonet stud also displays the matching number.

Another clue to this rifles involvement in the conflicts is the Canadian ownership stamp on the upper LH radius of the receiver ring.  It sits there quite plainly showing a large “C” enclosing the War Department arrow-head.  Gas escape hole below.  The safety catch to the rear on the same side of the action is marked “III”. The main information is marked on the RHS of the butt-socket and reads from the top down as follows;-” G.R. cypher / ENFIELD /1916/SHT LE/III*”  The brass ID disc on the RHS of the butt is plain apart from a very clear nicely shaped crows foot marking (WD arrow)

Brass butt-plate to rear with trap for cleaning equipment. Twin sling swivels with tan canvass sling fitted but with steel fittings.  Hinged mid band.  Stacking hook a/f.  Front sight protected by pinched steel ears as part of the whole fore-end cap.  Bayonet fitting for Pattern 1907 bayonet.  The rear sights are graduated from 200 to 2000 yards and have no windage adjustment.  On the LHS of the forend between the rear sight and the mid band the depression for the volley sights is still evident but has never been completed – this indicates how early a * modified rifle this is as the stock pattern had still not changed to omit that feature altogether.  A very good usable early Mark III* in very usable and collectible condition. Nitro Proofed.

Stock No’ F 1046

£ 1200.

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