Engraved BSA/Greener Lee Speed .375 Nitro Express 25″ Bolt Action Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $5,525.00
LSB: LSB260610KN007
Make: Action made by Birmingham Small Arms Company (B.S.A. Co.), finished by W.W. Greener
Model: Lee Speed
Serial Number: L1000 (original serial applied to the receiver and bolt by BSA was 10852, Greener later added their serial to the trigger guard after finishing the gun)
Year of Manufacture: 1899-1914 / ATF Classification: C&R
Caliber/Gauge: .375 2 1/2″ Nitro Express, also called .375 Flanged Nitro Express
Action Type: Bolt action, controlled round feed, detachable magazine, tang-mounted safety
Barrel Length: 25″, solid rib
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade screwed into the top of the matted rib. The rear sight is a set of one standing and three folding express-style V-notches, graduated 100, 200, 300, and 400 yards. The rear sights have vertical platinum aiming reference lines.
Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The furniture is two-piece checkered wood with a semi-pistol grip, straight comb, engraved metal buttplate, tipped forend, and an unmarked initial plate in the belly. The LOP measures 14.5″ from the front of the trigger to the rear of the buttplate. The buttplate shows patina and moderate handling wear. The buttplate storage compartment is empty. The wood shows scattered pressure dings, drag lines and scratches. There are no chips or cracks. The furniture rates in Very Good Plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is grey and the rifling has light wear. There is mild erosion and surface oxidation throughout the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 6.5/10.
Overall Condition: This firearm retains about 80% of its metal finish. The metal shows edge wear, thinning in various places, occasional oxidation spots, and light patina. There is light operational wear visible. The markings/engravings are mostly clear and complete. The bottom of the trigger guard is engraved “L1000”. Overall, this firearm rates in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: 5rd Metford pattern magazine
Our Assessment: The Lee Speed sporting rifle was one of the finest British commercial adaptations of the Lee military action, combining the rapid rear-locking bolt system with the workmanship, sights, stocks, and chamberings demanded by hunters throughout the British Empire. Birmingham Small Arms Company supplied commercial Lee Speed rifles and actions to prominent British gunmakers, including W.W. Greener, which sold BSA-built rifles and also performed its own finishing, engraving, sighting, and other custom work. Surviving Greener examples are known that were built on BSA Lee Speed actions but differ from standard BSA catalog patterns. Particularly interesting were the large-bore Lee Speed rifles chambered for the .375 Nitro Express family. The .375 2 1/2″ Nitro Express was introduced in 1899 and was offered in Lee-action BSA magazine rifles, providing British sportsmen with a medium-bore smokeless cartridge suited to hunting throughout the Empire. This engraved example, serial number L1000, combines a BSA-made action with W.W. Greener finishing, express sights with platinum reference lines, a solid-rib 25″ barrel, tang safety, and finely appointed sporting furniture.
This rifle retains about 80% of its original blued finish, with edge wear, thinning in several areas, occasional oxidation spots, light patina, and light operational wear. The two-piece checkered wood furniture remains in Very Good Plus condition with scattered pressure dings, drag lines, and scratches but no chips or cracks. The engraved metal buttplate shows moderate handling wear and patina, while the initial plate remains unmarked. The bore is grey with lightly worn rifling, mild erosion, and scattered surface oxidation, rating 6.5/10. The engraving and markings remain mostly clear and complete, the serial-matching bolt remains with the rifle, and the action functions correctly. A five-round Metford-pattern magazine is included. Overall, this engraved BSA/Greener Lee Speed rates in Very Good condition as a C&R sporting rifle and represents an especially attractive example of the British gun trade’s pre-World War I magazine rifles. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids!
-CR