BSA Enfield SMLE Mk I Volley Sights .303 British Rare Bolt Action Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $1581
LSB#: 210711RW09
Make: British Small Arms Company (B.S.A. Co.), England
Model: SHT LE I*** (Short Magazine Lee-Enfield Mark I*** or SMLE Mk I***). Each “ * ” indicates an Arsenal Upgrade.
Serial Number: ER5211
Year of Manufacture: 1906
Caliber: .303 British
Action Type: Bolt Action, Detachable Magazine
Markings: There is no visible import mark. The right side of the stock collar is marked “crown / E.R.” (Edwardius Rex – King Edward VII) and “B.S.A. Co / 1906 / SHT LE / I***”. The right side of the receiver, face of the nosecap and the rear of the bolt handle (no 2 letter prefix) are each marked with the serial number. The right side of the receiver is also marked with “crosses out numbers”. The left side of the receiver is marked with a “crown / ER / crossed flags / P” proof. The barrel shank is marked with “crowned” inspection stamps. The metal parts are marked with various British stampings that include “crowned” inspection stamps and “arrow heads”. The top of the barrel is marked “HV” behind the rear sight signifying an upgraded high velocity ammo rear sight base. The front volley sight is marked “LES 2”. The marking disk on the butt is marked “3/14” and “A490”. The bottom of the grip is marked with a “crowned letter”. The interior of the sling is marked “Z.L.&T.L. 1942” and with a faded stamping.
Barrel Length: Approximately 25 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bladed post set between two protective ears. The rear sight is a “U” notched sliding sight escalator assembly marked from “2-20”. There are 2 protective wings directly to the rear of the sight. The front volley sight is a rotating dial with a point at one and the sight at the other. The sight is rotated to the desired distance. It is marked “1700” and from “18 – 28”. The rear sight is a tall flip up aperture attached to the safety.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The wood stock set has has a straight grip, nosecap assembly with bayonet mount & sight wings, stacking loop, 2 sling loops, barrel band, volley sight on the left forearm, marking disk on the right buttstock and a brass buttplate with a hinged door for storage. The buttplate shows several scratches & small dents as well as surface erosion. The marking disk shows oxidation. The wood shows numerous scrapes, scratches and compression marks. Several of these marks have damaged or removed small portions of the surface wood. The LOP measures 13 1/2 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The lands are semi bright. The muzzle and grooves are grey. The rifling is deep. There is erosion in the grooves and at the muzzle.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 83% of its metal finish. The receiver and stock collar have been treated with cold blue. The metal shows scrapes, scratches and thinning. The thinned portions of the metal show discoloration from oxidation and light surface erosion. The screw heads show heavy use and oxidation. The markings on the receiver & stock collar are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good to Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle comes with one magazine that shows scrapes, thinning and discoloration from oxidation. It is in about Very Good condition. The rifle also comes with a web sling. The sling shows discoloration & soiling on the webbing as well as scrapes & oxidation on the metal. Overall it is in about Very Good condition.
Our Assessment: The Enfield SHT LE I is also known as the SMLE Mk I. This Rare Short Magazine Lee Enfield Mark I*** was made back in 1906 by the British Small Arms Company (B.S.A. Co.) of England. The 3 asterisks (***) after the designation signifies different upgrades done to the rifle during its service life which include the removal of its magazine disconnector. This is a rare rifle that was made under the reign of Edward VII who was King of the United Kingdom (as well as the British Dominions and India) from 22 January 1901 until his death in 1910. The rifle has tons of great markings, its original magazine cutoff and intact volley sights. The major distinguishing feature of the Mark I series is the lack of a charger bridge (stripper clip guide bridge) on the receiver. Instead a sliding charger guide is mounted on the bolt head. It lines up with the left charger guide (on the top left of the receiver) when the bolt is opened and pulled to the rear.
For more see pages 2 – 5 of Charles Stratton’s book, British Enfield Rifles Volume 1 / SMLE (N0. 1) Rifles Mk1 and Mk III, 3rd Edition. Good luck.