British No.4 Mk I (T) Enfield .303 British Bolt Sniper Rifle & Scope, C&R
SOLD FOR: $3,530.00
LSB#: LSB251006CF015
Make: BSA (Birmingham Small Arms) Co. – Shirley
Model: Enfield No.4 Mk I(T) Sniper
Serial Number: D 31520
Year of Manufacture: 1944 / C&R
Caliber: .303 British
Action Type: Bolt action rifle, magazine fed
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked with a “T” and the stock collar is marked, “M 47 C / 1944 /D 31520 / TR”. The right side of the receiver ring has a crown and, “ENGLAND”. The bolt is matched to the receiver, D31520”. The forearm is serial matched to the receiver and stamped “D31520” and stamped “SL/N/74” behind the barrel band. The underside of the stock has British proofs on the wrist and, “S51” (Holland & Holland Ltd.) on the belly of the stock and “SL/N/74” behind the trigger guard. However the buttstock is NOT serial matched to the rifle and is stamped “21752”. The safety is stamped “M47C”. The top of the scope is marked “TEL SIGHTING No32 MK II / OS 2039 A / AK&S No.27936 / 1945. The left side of the scope mount is marked “T0317”. The right side of the rear scope ring is marked “M271”. The right side of the front scope ring is marked “M272”. There are various small British proofs and subcontractor codes throughout and the forend has a matching serial.
Barrel Length: 25.2”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade post dovetailed into a base set between two protective ears. The rear of the receiver has a fully adjustable folding ladder peep sight. The rifle has the correct scope mount pads on the left side of the receiver. The rifle comes with a TEL STG No.32MKII scope that is not serial matched tot he rifle. Scope is marked “TEL SIGHTING No32 MK II / OS 2039 A / AK&s No.27936 / 1945”. The scope has a German Reticle and the glass is clear. Scope is in Good to Very Condition.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a 5-piece wood set with a capped forend, barrel band w/ sling loop, serrated handguard, stock collar, straight comb w/ raised additional cheekpiece. Sling loop, and a Zamac zinc alloy buttplate w/ storage gate. There are light scratches and pressure dents throughout. There are no cracks, but there are a few small chips in the handguard. The LOP measures 13 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in Very Good overall condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: NO MAGAZINE IS INCLUDED!
Type of Finish: Oil darkened metal
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is minor fouling present and minimal erosion in the lands. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates at a 8.5/10.
Many military and C&R eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide. For example, the U.S. used corrosive ammunition throughout WWII. The U.S. military did not begin to phase out corrosive-primed ammunition until the 1950s.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 94% of its metal finish. This rifle retains much of its rust proofing paint. There are faint handling marks and thinning on the leading edges throughout. The screw heads show light use. The markings are legible. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good to Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with a canvas sling and the aforementioned TEL STG No.32MKII scope with leather scope covers and original canvas scope case. NO MAGAZINE IS INCLUDED. Also included is a 3-page article by Daniel Cotterill (RSS) on the development of the Enfield Mk.4(T) No.1 Sniper Rifle. The article does not address provenance of this particular rifle.
Our Assessment: The No.4 Mk I (T) represents the pinnacle of British bolt action sniper rifle development during the Second World War. Selected from standard No.4 Mk I rifles for superior accuracy, these rifles were converted to sniper configuration by Holland & Holland, where they were carefully bedded, fitted with scope mounting pads, and marked with the distinctive “T” and “TR” designations. Rifles produced by BSA-Shirley in 1944 made up a substantial portion of wartime sniper output and were issued across British and Commonwealth forces during the final years of WWII.
This example exhibits the key characteristics associated with a genuine No.4 Mk I (T), including correct receiver markings, serial-matched bolt and forearm, original scope pads, and the appropriate Holland & Holland “S51” inspection marks in the stock. The included TEL SIGHTING No.32 Mk II scope, dated 1945, remains in good to very good condition with clear glass and a German-style reticle, and is accompanied by its leather scope covers and original canvas scope case. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and only minimal erosion, a strong attribute for a wartime sniper rifle, while the metal retains a high percentage of its original rust proofing finish with only light handling wear.
It should be noted that the buttstock is not serial matched to the rifle, an important disclosure for collectors, though it does not negate the rifle’s identity as a legitimate sniper configuration. The absence of a magazine likewise places this rifle in the category of a partially complete sniper set rather than a fully matched ensemble. Even so, this remains a highly desirable and historically significant British sniper rifle, combining wartime production, correct conversion features, and an original period optic. It stands as an exceptional representative of British and Commonwealth sniper doctrine from WWII through the early Cold War era. Please see our high quality photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck on your bids!!!
BF
