Early Ishapore S.M.L.E. for 1918……….. (F 989)

Interesting Early SMLE No III* by Ishapore

An interesting example of the SMLE Mk III* which correctly for Indian production has some early features which other manufacturers had omitted by that time.  The markings upon the RHS of the butt-socket read as follows; “Royal Cypher / G.R.I / ISHAPORE /1918 / SHT LE / III*”  On the LHS of the socket is the marking “RFI / broad arrow /1926″ Some of the conventional “pointers” which one would expect to see on an SMLE of this vintage are missing, but, actually there by design.  To an extent, if the Indians and the powers that be within their own country wanted to do something a particular way, then they would.  As their governing overseers, were in effect, so far away, there wasn’t much they could do about it and the Indians just got on with it without interference.

Features like the magazine cut-off and the slotted front sight guard are still evident. even though this is a post * (III*) rifle.  However, what makes it more difficult to fully understand the mark, is the fact that the Indian Arsenals operated a similar system to the Americans where they were constantly uprating or refurbishing their weapons.   So all sorts of alterations have been visited upon this weapon within its service life time.   Also this rifle is heavily influenced by the southern hemisphere; it has Australian woodwork and an “S.A.A.” trigger guard. But, that all rings true if you imagine where they could actually get things from at the time and the Indian propensity to ingenious solutions.  So this rifle has to be taken at face value, it is as it appears; a rifle with a conceivably complicated linage.

Chambered in .303 with a five grove LH twist bore.  It has the detachable ten shot box magazine AND a magazine cut-off  device.  The RHS of the receiver ring carries the rifles serial number “8205 / B”  The interchangeable bolt head is marked “U”.  The bolt is non-matching but interestingly has the “D” shaped cocking piece. The rear sights are graduated from 200 to 2000 yards and allow for windage adjustment at “zeroing” with a locking screw on the top surface.  Early hinged Australian mid-band.  As mentioned above, pinched front sight protection with bayonet attachment points and correctly so, no provision for pilling hook. The serial number is on the bayonet stud.  Bore is soft as original.

The woodwork is later Australian Coachwood marked under the fore-end “SLAZ / 55” It has the brass reinforcing pins in all the normal places.  There are other markings on the underside of the fore-end but only in the form of numbers – possibly rack numbers ? Brass but-plate with trap for cleaning equipment (a/f).

An interesting and relatively early S.M.L.E. considering many were altered as a matter of course.  Very few have survived in their original condition for many reasons but, also consider that the Indian Army was active on many fronts throughout both major conflicts plus their own internal struggles.  If you are collecting Enfields’ this would be a rare one to secure to fully do the subject justice.

Stock No F 989

£ 885.

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