Lee-Enfield MkI by L.S.A.& Co Ltd…….SOLD

A very good example of a Mk I Long Enfield

This rifle was made by the London Small Arms Company and is unusual in that it has retained its original marking on the butt socket despite the many modifications it has undergone. On the right hand side of the socket, just under the bolt head when the rifle is closed down,  is the following simple marking;  ” L.S.A.& Co LD /  L E  /  I”  It was standard War Department practice the mark the rifles after those model designation markings with stars and other such symbols denoting changes.  But, somehow this rifle has managed to escape that process.

 

The rifle is 49.3/4″ long, overall.  That means the barrel is a full 30.3/8″ long.  The trigger pull is 12.3/8″.  The bore has the Enfield five groove right hand twist rifling.  Rifles of this marq were noted for their accuracy and were particularly popular among the troops of the day for this reason.  The combination of the full barrel length, the Enfield rifling, the adjustments made to the sights, particularly the front produced excellent results.  This example is in excellent, honest condition.  There are no signs of refinishing, all appears as issued.  The bluing on the barrel has held particularly well with little wear to the edges.  The crowning is precise and regular, the pattern of the lands and grooves all clearly visible to the eye ( it has not been ruined by excessive pull through wear).

The full length stock is in superb condition with a butt stock which would not look amiss on a classic English side by side.  It is a strong grained darkly figured English walnut.  The short top guard between rear sight and breech has been repaired but definitely with a sympathetic bent.  The butt stock is slim about the wrist with a sharply defined semi pistol grip.  The butt plate is the brass type with butt trap and extended tang for regimental markings, although this example is clear apart from a single “7” digit.

The bolt is numbered to the rifle “3707 A” and has the safety mounted on the rear left side adjacent to the rounded cocking piece.  There is no shroud over the bolt as this was removed by order of the War Department.  The action has retained the the magazine cut-off and has the loading bridge fitted over the top.  At the rear LHS of the action is the eye-piece of the long range volley sights – half way up the stock, behind the mid-band is the dial component of the volley sight, which is complete.  The breech has the original matching serial number and an additional number the rifle has picked up during one of the conversions, oddly the original number was never struck out, so the two sit one over the other.

Conventional ladder rear sights with windage sit in front of the hand guard.  The front sights are the modified originals.  The nose cap and bayonet fitting have had the hole for the cleaning rod removed as per one of the modifications. It is unusual to see a rifle that has gone through all the modifications this one has and not to be emblazoned with changes of mark or additions of stars after the model number, in this case it is an aesthetically pleasing result, the wrist looks clean and as it should do.  Within the trigger guard this weapon has the original serrated trigger and the smooth magazine release catch.

Altogether an example which would be very hard to improve upon especially considering the fine condition of the bore.  One would almost venture that this rifle has not been shot since it was last issued.

Stock No’  f 357

£ 1195.    SOLD

 

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