Lee-Metford MkI Cavalry Carbine Enfield .303 Brit Bolt Action Rifle Antique
SOLD FOR: $4450
LSB#: 210722TS03
Make: Royal Small Arms Factory (RSAF) Enfield, England
Model: Lee-Metford Mk I Cavalry Carbine
Serial Number: 5286
Year of Manufacture: 1895
Caliber: .303 British
Action Type: Bolt Action, 6 Round Detachable Magazine
Markings: There is no visible import mark. The left side of the stock collar is marked “crown / V.R. (Victoria Regina) / ENFIELD / 1895 / I.”. The right side of the receiver and barrel shank are each marked with the serial number, with “crossed flags’” proofs, and with “crowned” inspection stamps. The knox form (top of the barrel shank) and the top of the receiver are both marked “DP” for Drill Purpose. The rear of the bolt handle and bottom of the rear sight ladder are marked with the serial number. The right side of the butt is marked with a faded circular cartouche containing “ENFIELD”. The bottom of the grip and top of the buttplate are each marked with inspection stamps. There are other several small stamps on the rifle including “crowned” inspection stamps & proofs. The rear of the magazine is marked with inspection stamps.
Barrel Length: Approximately 20 ¾ Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a small inverted “V” post set atop a small ramped base and between 2 protective ears. The rear sight is a “V” notched blade attached to an escalator assembly. The left side of the sight base is marked “200 300 400 500” for use with the escalator. It flips up to become a sight ladder that uses a sliding “V” notched blade. The ladder is marked from “6-20”.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The wood stock has a straight grip with finger groove, nose cap, hole for the included cleaning rod, barrel band, marking disk on the right side of the butt, sling well, sling pass through, and a brass buttplate with a hinged door for storage. The buttplate shows several scratches, small dents, and oxidation. The nosecap shows scrapes & discoloration from oxidation. The handguard shows repaired cracks. The wood shows numerous scrapes, scratches, and compression marks. Several have damaged or removed small portions of the surface wood. Most of these marks have been oiled over. The LOP measures 13 ¼ inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition as a refurbished antique.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The muzzle and grooves are grey. The polygonal rifling is well defined. There is erosion in the grooves & near the muzzle.
Overall Condition: This rifle has lost its original metal finish to oxidation & cleaning. Areas of the metal have been treated with cold blue. The metal shows scrapes, scratches, discoloration from oxidation, and areas of surface erosion. The left side of the receiver shows thinning from the dust cover cycling with the bolt. The screw heads show use and oxidation. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition as an antique.
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 a 6 round magazine and a dust cover that have each been treated with cold blue. Small scratches and surface erosion show through the cold blue on the magazine. The magazine shows some scrapes and discoloration. The magazine is in about Very Good condition. The dust cover has oxidation showing through the cold blue finish. It shows scratches and discoloration. It is in about Very Good condition.
Our Assessment: This Rare Lee-Metford Mk I Cavalry Carbine was made at RSAF Enfield back in 1895. This Metford Carbine still uses polygonal Metford rifling. The rifle has seen some use but does have nice markings on the metal including matching part numbers on the barrel, receiver, bolt handle, and rear sight. This Lee-Metford Mk I Cavalry Carbine is a must for the Enfield collector.
This rifle is an antique so no FFL is required…unless you live in California.