Enfield No.1 MkIII SMLE Volley Sights .303 British Bolt Action Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $2076
LSB#: 210506MW72
Make: Enfield, England
Model: SHT LE III* (Short Magazine Lee-Enfield Mk III). Later Designated No.1 MkIII.
Serial Number: 9199
Year of Manufacture: 1915
Caliber: .303 British
Action Type: Bolt Action, Detachable Magazine
Markings: There is no visible import mark. The right front of the receiver and rear of the bolt handle are each marked with the serial number. The right side of the stock collar is marked “crown / G R (George Rex) / 1915 / SHT LE / III”. The left front of the receiver is marked with a “crown / G R / crossed flags / P” proof. The rear of the bolt handle and the bolt head are each marked with crossed flags. The safety is marked “III”. The volley sight base is marked “LES2”.The bottom of the grip & forearm are each marked with inspection stamps. There are a few other small stampings on the rifle.
Barrel Length: Approximately 25 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bladed post set atop a ramped base and between protective wings. The rear sight is a “U” notched blade attached to an escalator assembly marked from “2-20”. The rear sight also has protective wings.
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 marked from “18 – 28”. The rear volley sight is a tall flip up aperture attached to the safety.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The hardwood stock has a straight grip with finger groove, barrel band, nosecap assembly with sight wings & bayonet lug, stacking loop, 2 sling loops, marking disk and a brass buttplate with hinged door for storage. The buttplate shows several small scratches & small dents. The grip shows discoloration. The wood shows several scuffs, scrapes and scratches. The LOP measures 13 ½ inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good Plus overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The lands are semi bright and the grooves are light grey. The rifling is deep. There is erosion present; more prominent in the grooves.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its current metal finish as refinished. Areas of surface erosion and oxidation show through the new finish. The finish shows discoloration where the surface erosion was coated. The metal shows light scrapes as well as light thinning on the leading edges of the metal. This is most prominent on the face of the nosecap. The screw heads show use. Most of the main markings are well defined. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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 rifle comes with a 10 round magazine. It shows scrapes, scratches and thinning. Overall it is in about Good condition. The rifle comes with a web sling. It shows discoloration & soiling on the webbing as well as scratches & oxidation on the metal. It is in about Very Good condition.
Our Assessment: The Short Magazine Lee-Enfield Mk III was later designated the No.1 MkIII. This No.1 MkIII was made by Enfield back in 1915. It is in nice shape of being well over 100 years old and still has its volley sights and magazine cutoff. It is rare to find an older Enfield that is in its original configuration. This one will add nicely to an Enfield collection.