BSA Co. Enfield SHTLE I* Rare SMLE MkI .303 British Bolt Action Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $1525
LSB#: 210926RS10
Title: BSA Co. Enfield SHTLE I*** Rare SMLE MkI .303 British Bolt Action Rifle C&R
Make: British Small Arms Company (B.S.A. Co.), England
Model: SHTLE I*** (Short Magazine Lee-Enfield Mark I*** or SMLE MkI***). This rifle has been upgraded to resemble a No1 MkIII.
Serial Number: 50932
Year of Manufacture: 1905
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 / 1905 / SHTLE / I***”. The right side of the receiver, face of the nosecap, and rear of the bolt handle are each marked with the serial number. The rear of the magazine is marked with a number that does not match. The left side of the receiver is marked with a “crown / ER / crossed flags” proof. The right front of the receiver and top of the bolt handle are both marked with a London “crown / CP” proof. The left side of the stock collar is marked “N”. The top of the barrel is marked “HV” behind the rear sight signifying an upgraded high velocity ammo rear sight base. There are a few other small marks on the rifle that include “broad arrows” and “crowns”. The sling is marked “MTR 7-50”.
Barrel Length: Approximately 25 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bladed post set atop a ramped base and between two protective ears. The rear sight is a sliding sight escalator marked from “2-20”.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The wood stock has a straight grip with finger groove, nosecap assembly with sight wings & bayonet lug, stacking loop, barrel band, 2 sling loops, marking disk on the right buttstock, and a brass buttplate with a hinged door for storage. The buttplate shows scratches, small dents & oxidation. The marking disk shows oxidation. The wood shows several scrapes, scratches, and compression marks. Some have damaged small portions of the surface wood. These marks have been oiled. The LOP measures 13 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: Original to Arsenal Rebuild
Bore Condition: The grooves are dark and the rifling is deep. There is erosion in the bore. It is heavier in the grooves.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 87% of its metal finish. The metal shows scrapes, small scratches, thinning on the leading edges of the metal, and areas of discoloration from oxidation. The edges of the stock collar show surface erosion. The screw heads show use. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus 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 has a green canvas sling attached. It shows light discoloration on the canvas as well as light scrapes & oxidation on the metal. It is in about Very Good Plus to Fine condition. The rifle comes with a repaired magazine that shows scrapes, scratches, and areas of thinning. It is in about Very Good condition.
Our Assessment: The Enfield SHTLE I*** is also known as the SMLE MkI***. This Rare Short Magazine Lee Enfield Mark I*** was made back in 1905 by the British Small Arms Company (B.S.A. Co.) of England. The 3 asterisks (***) after the designation signify different upgrades done to the rifle during its service life. 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. This SMLE MkI*** has been further upgraded to roughly No1 MkIII configuration. This is a Good looking rifle for your Enfield collection.
For more see pages 2 – 5 of Charles Stratton’s book, British Enfield Rifles Volume 1 / SMLE (No. 1) Rifles Mk1 and Mk III, 3rd Edition. Good luck.
