Enfield Rare SMLE MkI .303 British Volley Sights Bolt Action Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $1450
LSB#: 210723TS02
Make: London Small Arms Company Ltd. (LSA Co). United Kingdom
Model: SHT LE I*** or SMLE Mk I*** (Short Magazine Lee-Enfield Mark I)
Serial Number: 4574
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 “ENFIELD / 1906 / SHT LE / I***”. The right side of the receiver is marked “E R”, with the serial number, with “crossed out numbers”, and “W”. The left front of the receiver is marked with a “crown / ER / crossed flags” proof, and with a “crowned” inspection stamp. The rear of the receiver is marked with a few inspection stamps. The rear of the bolt handle has been restamped with the serial number. The nosecap is marked with a number that does not match the serial number. 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 metal parts are marked with various British marks that include “arrowheads” and “crowned” inspection stamps. The bottom of the grip is marked “0”. The rear of the magazine is marked with a few inspection stamps.
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 blade attached to a sliding sight escalator marked from “2-20”. 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 “1700” and from “18 – 28”. The rear volley sight is a tall flip up aperture attached to the safety.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock has a straight grip with finger groove, cutout for the rear volley sight next to the safety, front volley sight dial on the left forearm, barrel band, nosecap assembly with front sight & bayonet lug, stacking loop, 2 sling loops, marking disk on the right buttstock, and a brass buttplate with a hinged door for storage. The buttplate shows several scrapes & scratches as well as small dents & oxidation. The marking disk shows oxidation. The stock hardware shows scrapes, discoloration from oxidation and small areas of surface erosion. Both sides of the butt show filled & repaired cracks at the buttplate. The wood shows numerous scrapes, scratches and compression marks. Several have damaged small portions of the surface wood. The most prominent marks are on the butt. Most of these marks have been oiled over. The LOP measures 13 ? inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition as refurbished.
Type of Finish: Oil Darkened metal
Finish Originality: Original. The metal has been treated with cold blue.
Bore Condition: The muzzle is grey and the grooves are dark. The rifling is deep; less pronounced at the muzzle. There is erosion in the bore. It is more prominent in the grooves and at the muzzle.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 50% of its metal finish. The metal has been treated with cold blue. The metal shows scrapes, scratches, and areas of thinning. The thinned portions of the metal show discoloration from oxidation and small areas of surface erosion. The screw heads show heavy use. The main markings are deep. Some of the small markings are lightly faded. 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 scratches, thinning, pin prick surface erosion, and oxidation. It is in about Good to Very Good condition. The rifle has a leather sling attached. It shows scrapes, surface creasing, and discoloration. Overall it is in about Very Good condition.
Our Assessment: The Enfield SHT LE I*** (Short Magazine Lee-Enfield Mark I) is also known as the SMLE MkI***. This Rare Enfield was made back in 1906 by the London Small Arms Company Ltd. (LSA Co). The 3 asterisks (***) after the designation signify different upgrades done to the rifle during its service life. This Military rifle was made during the reign of Edward VII who was King of the United Kingdom, as well as the British Dominions & India, from 22 January 1901 until his death in 1910. This Enfield has good markings, a magazine cutoff (these are usually missing), intact volley sights, and charger guide that is mounted on the bolt head. The charger guide is the major distinguishing feature of the Mark I series as there is no need for a charger bridge (stripper clip guide) on the receiver. The sliding charger guide lines up with the left charger guide (on the top left of the receiver) when the bolt is opened and pulled to the rear. This Enfield SMLE MkI*** will add nicely to a Military or Enfield collection.
For more info 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.