WW 1 “G.R.” SMLE No 1 Mk III* by BSA, ………(F 1169)

 World War One Government SMLE by BSA & Co

Short Magazine Lee-Enfield No 1 Mk III*, built in 1917 to standard Government War Office specification by the private company B.S.A. & Co Birmingham.  Ordered as part of the Government build up of weapons for the army.  We know this because of the external markings on the RHS of the wrist socket. They clearly read; “Royal Cypher Crown / B.S.A. Co / 1917 /SHT. LE / III*” When GR appears this means that it was a contract rifle for the War Office, and stands for “George Rex”.  If this was absent this would mean a private purchase order by an allied government or other volunteer military organisation.

Chambered in .303 with a ten-shot detachable box magazine and Enfield Bolt system.  The serial number is found on the RHS of the receiver reading; “G / 35961”. It also shows a clear Crowned GP mark and a very clear “crows foot” arrowhead below the number for war department ownership. Adjacent to the gas escape hole on the other side of the receiver are two more clear Proof marks.  When removing, the top wood behind the sights, the barrel shows many more similar marks but more importantly, the matching serial number proving that this rifle still has its original barrel.

This being a MK III*, the action has no provision for the cut-off slot on the RHS of the action.  Normal loading bridge for loading by stripper clips and “dip” in LHS side wall to allow full depression of the thumb during the process. The bolt unfortunately is non-matching as it displays the number “A 32861” but, that in SMLE production terms, is tantalisingly close as it bears a preffix, consists of five numerals and ends in 61!  It’s almost possible to start thinking about a factory slip up! The cocking piece is an early “D”-shaped example.  A “U” marked bolt head and bolt removal is by the normal meathod set behind the loading bridge. Safety on RHS at rear of action is only marked “III”. Two stage serrated trigger.

Overall, this fine, tried and tested rifle is 44.1/2″ long. The round blued barrel is 25″ long and the trigger pull is 13.1/2″ to centre. The rifle is fully stocked in a light beech set of stockwork with hand guards and a brass butt-plate, with trap. An indiscernable number is marked into the underside of the fore end.   Barrel marked behind rear sight “H.V.” Rear sights standard sliding tangent type graduated from 200 to 2000 yards.  Unusually and rather nicely, these sights do have provision for windage adjustment through an adjustment wheel on the RHS of the rear block. The upper surfaces are marked with graduations and a clear centre line.  These also bear the incorrect serial number underneath. Rear sight guarded by flat steel ears.

Front sight guarded by pinched ears on nose cone. This component also includes the bayonet mount and stud which does bear the same number as the receiver.  Mid band hinged but somewhat corroded takes front sling swivel.  Bore is very reasonable with strong uninterrupted lands.  The groves are slightly dirty and may clean. Chamber clean.  The rifle has been re-headspaced on entry to the UK and then re-proofed.  Action smooth and fully functioning.  A good looking and War-time period rifle when the fate of the world was held in the hands on men of violence and brave men that stood against them; not much changed there then ! Should be an effective shooter and is a fine collectible.

Stock No F 1169  –  FAC Required

£ 925.

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