BSA SMLE No Mk III with Aldis Bro’s Scope…………….SOLD
Created on June 4th 2013
A British SMLE in Rare WW1 Snipers’ configuration.
A rarely seen combination in today’s collectors market. This rifle is a BSA produced Short Magazine Lee Enfield in .303 caliber with the side mounted Aldis Brother telescopic sight.
Overall length is 43.3/4″. Barrel length is 25.1/4.” The stock is marked with the letter “S” on top which indicates a short stock so the trigger pull is 12.3/4″. Walnut stock and hand-guards. The forward portion of the hand-guard is split but not broken. The butt has a blank unit ID disk and a brass butt plate with a trap for the cleaning equipment and an Enfield inspectors stamp on the upper tang. Serrated trigger and ten-shot detachable magazine.
The RHS of the wrist strap is marked as follows;” “Kings Crown / G.R. / B.S.A. & Co / 1917 / SHT L.E. / III” with two other distinct marks that look like “=”. On the other side of the strap is mounted the safety catch. The rifle has the normal loading bridge which is still usable as the scope is side mounted. The action has still got the magazine cut-off fitted on the RHS. The serial number is stamped into the RHS of the receiver and is “F 65922”. There is a clear “WD” arrow beneath the number.
The cocking piece has the older “D” shaped form to it and the bolt head has the letter “M” on it, the number “65922” is stamped into the back of the handle. The action has been fitted with Purdey off-set mounts which hold the Aldis Bro’s scope which is rated to be approximately of 2.1/2 x magnification. The range drum on top has markings graduated at 100 and 200 yards but there is further movement possibly for longer ranges. The only windage would be on setting up and this would be obtained by adjustment with the screws set into the front dovetail mount. Changes in the field would be impractical, if not very difficult. The eyepiece is marked as follows; “ALDIS BROTHERS / BIRMINGHAM / No’ 70507 /1916” The optics are remarkably clear – if you use your left eye! And keep both of your eyes open!
The open rear sights which can still be used when the scope is in position have windage adjustment and are graduated up to 2000 yards. The rearsight protector ears are marked with the broard arrow on one side but are fairly corroded. There are two sling swivels and the bayonet and nose-cap with front sight protectors. The nose-cap is correctly numbered to the rifle. The bore is still strong but could do with a clean.
An interesting example of a rare British rifle that represents a part of British sniping history from a very dark time.
Stock No’ f 348sor
£ 2750.
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