Lee-Metford MkI .303 Brit Enfield Bolt Action Rifle Volley Sights Antique
SOLD FOR: $2380
LSB#: 210722TS46
Make: Enfield, United Kingdom
Model: Lee-Metford MkI.
Serial Number: 225
Year of Manufacture: 1893
Caliber: .303 British
Action Type: Bolt Action with 8 Round Detachable Magazine
Markings: The right front of the receiver is marked with the serial number. The top of the receiver, top of the barrel shank, and right side of the buttstock are each marked “D.P.” for Drill Purpose. The left front and rear of the receiver are each marked with “crowned” proofs and/or stampings. The right side of the stock collar is marked “crown / V.R. / ENFIELD / 1893 / I”. The rear of the bolt handle is marked with overstamped numbers and “crossed flags”. Several of the metal parts are marked with small British stampings including “crowns” and “arrow heads”. The right side of the butt is marked with a faded circular cartouche. The marking disk is stamped “12/01”. The rear of the magazine is marked with inspection stamps.
Barrel Length: Approximately 30 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a small Inverted “V” post set atop a ramped base. The rear sight is a “V” notched blade assembly attached to a sliding escalator. The left side of the rear sight base is marked “200 300 400 500” for use with the escalator. It flips up to become a sight ladder. The ladder uses a separate sliding “V” notched blade and is marked from “6-18”. 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 “1600” and from “17 – 28”. The rear volley sight is a tall flip up aperture attached to the left side of the stock collar.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The wood stock has a straight grip, finger grooves, barrel band, nosecap with bayonet lug, cut out for the missing cleaning rod, scallop for the front volley sight, 2 sling loops, and a metal buttplate with hinged door for storage. We found cleaning gear in the butt. The buttplate shows several small scratches and surface erosion. The stock hardware shows scratches and discoloration from oxidation. The bottom rear of the butt, the handguard, and the wood around the stock collar bolt (both sides) each show repairs. The wood shows numerous scrapes, scratches & compression marks. Several have damaged small portions of the surface wood. These marks have been oiled over. The LOP measures 13 ¼ inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall the stock is in about Very Good Plus condition as a refurbished antique.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The muzzle is grey and the rifling is faint. There is erosion throughout the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle has lost its metal finish to oxidation & cleaning. The metal shows scrapes, scratches, discoloration from oxidation, and light surface erosion. The metal also shows a few areas of pin prick surface erosion. The screw heads show heavy use. Many of the markings are well defined. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition as an antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is no safety. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
The magazine feed lips are bent slightly inward. The magazine will not accept a cartridge until the feed lips are properly aligned.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle comes with an 8 round magazine. The 8 round magazine is attached to the rifle by small metal links. It has been treated with cold blue. Scratches and surface erosion shows through the cold blue. It shows scrapes, thinning, and an area of surface erosion. The magazine feed lips are bent slightly inward. The magazine will not accept a cartridge until the feed lips are properly aligned. The magazine is in about Good condition as an antique. A brass oiler tube is stored in the butt. A dripper is attached to the cap. It shows soiling, scrapes, and oxidation. It is in about Very Good condition.
Our Assessment: This Lee-Metford MkI was made by Enfield of England back in 1893. It has seen some use but still has nice markings on the metal as well as its magazine cutoff, volley sights, and 8 round magazine. These items are usually damaged or lost. The magazine has an issue but can be remedied with a little effort. This Rare Lee-Metford MkI Rifle is over 125 years old and will add to your Military collection.