Lee-Metford MkII .303 British So Africa Enfield Bolt Action Rifle Antique
SOLD FOR: $1662
LSB#: 210721TS39
Make: London Small Arms Company Ltd. (LSA Co). United Kingdom
Model: Lee-Metford MkII.
Serial Number: 3397
Year of Manufacture: 1894. The Lee-Metford MkII was produced between 1892 and 1896.
Caliber: .303 British
Action Type: Bolt Action with 10 Round Detachable Magazine.
There is no Bolt Assembly.
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked with a South African acceptance mark “arrow inside U” and with a Cape Government of South Africa unit mark “C arrow G”. The right side of the stock collar is marked “crown / V.R. / L.S.A. Co. / 1894 / II.”. The barrel shank is marked with the British Small Arms Company (BSA) logo “stacked rifles / BSA”. The rifle is marked with other small proofs & stampings; many are “crowned”.
Barrel Length: Approximately 30 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bladed post set atop a ramped base. The rear sight is a “V” notched blade assembly attached to a sliding escalator. The left side of the rear sight base is marked “200 300 400 500” for use with the escalator. It flips up to become a sight ladder. The ladder uses a separate sliding “V” notched blade and is marked from “6-19”. The front volley sight is a rotating dial with a point at one end and the front volley sight at the other. The sight is rotated to the desired distance. It is marked “1600” and from “17 – 28”. The rear volley sight is a tall flip up aperture attached to the left side of the stock collar.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The wood stock has a straight grip with finger groove, barrel band, nosecap with bayonet lug, hole for the included cleaning rod, scallop for the front volley sight, stacking loop, 2 sling loops and a brass buttplate with hinged door for storage. We found cleaning gear in the butt. The buttplate shows oxidation as well as several small scratches & small dents. The stock hardware shows scratches and discoloration. The wood shows numerous scrapes, scratches & compression marks. Several have damaged or removed small portions of the surface wood. These marks have been oiled over. The LOP measures 13 ½ inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the recoil pad. Overall the stock is in about Very Good condition as an antique.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The muzzle & grooves are grey and the rifling is deep. There is erosion in the grooves and at the muzzle.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% its metal finish as refinished. Small scratches show through the new finish. Tool marks on the receiver show through the new finish. The metal shows scrapes, small scratches and areas of discoloration from oxidation. The front of the barrel shows light surface erosion. The screw heads show heavy use. The main markings are deep. Overall this rifle rates in about Very Good condition as a refinished antique, in its current incomplete state.
Mechanics: There is no Bolt Assembly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The 10 round magazine is attached to the rifle by a metal link and has been treated with cold blue. It shows scrapes, discoloration and areas of surface erosion. The magazine is in about Good condition. A pull through twine thong with weighted end is stored in the butt. It shows soiling and fraying. It is in about Good condition. A front sight protector is installed. It shows scrapes & surface erosion. It is in about Fair to Good condition.
Our Assessment: This Lee-Metford MkII was made by the London Small Arms Company Ltd (LSA Co) of England back in 1894. It served in South Africa and is marked by the Cape Government of South Africa. The rifle is over 125 years old and still looks good. Unfortunately there is no bolt assembly. This antique rifle is a piece of British & South African Military history and will add to your Military collection.