1915 L.S.A.& Co S.M.L.E. Rifle….(F 936) Sold
Created on May 26th 2021
High Grade Original Surviving British SMLE from World War One
Original war-time SMLE rifles are fast becoming the things of dreams. To find them in unaltered or modified condition or changed officially into later configurations or versions is becoming more and more difficult as time marches on. This is one such rifle, with the added advantage of a very good bore in the original barrel. The rifle benefits from matching numbers and fine original woodwork – also numbered under the patina of the fore-end with the serial number. To the underside, predominantly there is a fine Tiger stripe in the walnut.
The rifle’s the serial number M 9750 is stamped into all the normal parts. The main locations being the RHS of the receiver ring, the rear of the bolt arm. The endcap which incorporates the bayonet lug clearly shows the same. Overall the rifle measures 44.1/2″ in length. The round barrel is 25.1/4″ long. The trigger Pull is 13.1/2″ to centre. This rifle is covered in early features as it should be and clear Enfield inspection and acceptance markings.
Early rounded “D” shaped cocking piece. Magazine cut-off is present on LHS of action. On the LHS the steel wrist strap or ” butt-socket” the following is clearly marked; “Crown cypher / G.R. / L.S.A. Co. Ld / 1915 /SHT LE / III” (London Small Arms Company Limited) On the LHS at the rear of the action is the normal Enfield type safety catch marked “III.” Behind which is the viewing post for the long distance volley sight. This is paired with the dial and pointer part of the sight mounted three quarters of the way along the fore-end, on the same side. When used in conjunction with each other volley fire could be effectively ranged in on a target, ensuring that the whole sections fire would be concentrated at the same range – and not ineffectively scattered all over Flanders.
A ten shot detachable box magazine is released by a lever within the trigger guard. Serrated trigger. Twin sling swivels with stacking hook on lower muzzle tang, below bayonet lug. The rear sights have the wider protective ears which are recessed on the outside. The sights themselves are graduated from 200 to 2000 yards and as this is pre mark III* they are equipped with windage adjustment. On the underside of the ramp the serial number is repeated. Front sight protection in the form of Ears either side of foresight. Brass butt-plate with trap for cleaning equipment within. Correct pull-through and brass oil bottle present.
The underside of the for-end cap shows a clear “War Department broad arrow / royal crown / X / E3″ stamping. Vacant brass butt disk in RHS of butt. Interestingly there is another stamp that includes the “X” on the top tang of the brass butt-plate it reads from the top;-“broad arrow/crown/X/D6.” The appearance of this “X” mark raised the interest level in my examination of the rifle. The “X” which appears in all the inspection mark is known as the Old Bow mark of the LSA company and is peculiar to rifles and components which were made and assembled at that factory. L.S.A. & Co were actively meeting the British Armies need from 1866 until 1925. Usually Enfields’ start to display a mixture of Enfield inspection marks as they get older; it is unusual to find one with all its original parts which have stayed together from day one. We can be reasonably sure of this as these marks would only get onto the rifle at that location. Refits and other armoury works would attract a mixture of Enfield marked parts. As replacements would be obtained from parts bins containing these mixtures.
All over condition is fine. The rifle comes with an original leather strap – not shown . The finish to all the blued parts is similar and even all over, with normal expected signs of wear. Wood work is all is excellent condition with an even sheen all over – no signs of repairs or faults. Signs of wear are not over heavy with no obvious points of more severe damage than others. Mechanically the rifle is fully functional. The bore is in very good condition with strong 5-grove LH Enfield rifling.
British Nitro proofed. On removal of the top rear hand guard the serial numbers repeated on the knox form, along with Old Bow inspection marks, confirming that this is the original barrel. A true survivor from a very traumatic time of upheaval and untold violence and death – From the War to End all Wars……. It is amazing to think that this rifle has stayed together, in its original woodwork and with all its original parts for the past 106 years including its war time service!
Please ask for stock No’ F 936
£ 1995. (Sold)
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