British, WW1, BSA Short Magazine Lee-Enfield (ShtLE) (SMLE) Mk III .303 Bolt-Action Rifle — South African Service, Dated 1917, Deactivated

*British, WW1, BSA Short Magazine Lee-Enfield (ShtLE)(SMLE) Mk III .303 Bolt-Action Rifle — South African Service, Dated 1917, Deactivated*

A fine and well-marked deactivated Short Magazine Lee-Enfield Mk III* rifle in .303 calibre, manufactured by the Birmingham Small Arms Company (BSA Co.) in 1917. The receiver is marked with the royal cypher GR (George Rex) beneath crown, the maker’s stamp BSA Co. 1917, and the model designation Sht. L.E. III*. Serial number 35255 is present on the receiver and barrel, with a service bolt numbered V4537 and a rear sight leaf numbered 5236. The rifle measures 113 cm overall with a 64 cm barrel.

The barrel knox form is richly marked with the correct wartime proofs. These include the broad arrow in “U” for British military ownership, the 7 over .303 gauge and calibre marking, and multiple crowned inspection letters from Birmingham inspectors. The crossed flags proof confirms acceptance at the British Proof House, while the BSA stacked rifles trademark and “NP” denote factory nitro proofing.

This rifle’s later history adds further collector appeal. The buttstock bears clear South African Police (SAP) and Republic of South Africa (R/SA) stamps, indicating postwar Commonwealth service. A bold “K” on the fore-end is consistent with inspection or refit at Kimberley Ordnance Depot. The brass butt plate carries a broad arrow and rack marks. The top handguard, just forward of the rear sight, is likely a standard armoury replacement, neatly fitted during service.

Historical Note:
The SMLE Mk III served as the standard British service rifle from 1907 through the Second World War. Renowned for its rugged construction and exceptionally fast bolt action, it was capable of rapid and accurate fire in skilled hands. In 1916, the simplified Mk III* was introduced to speed wartime production, omitting the magazine cut‑off and long‑range volley sights.

BSA was one of the principal wartime manufacturers, producing over 1.5 million rifles during the First World War. This 1917 example comes from peak wartime output and carries a “Z” mark on the breech, indicating it was downgraded from front‑line service—typically due to wear—before being reassigned to auxiliary duties. It was later refurbished and issued to the South African Police, as confirmed by SAP and R/SA butt stamps. Its combination of WWI production, Z‑marked auxiliary history, and documented Commonwealth service makes it a desirable collector’s piece.

*Condition*
The rifle is in good overall service-used condition, showing the honest wear expected from a long Commonwealth service life. The stock has scattered dings, scratches, and darkening from handling, yet the SAP and R/SA markings on the butt remain clear and well-defined. The metalwork retains a pleasing patinated finish with all inspection stamps sharp and legible. Mechanically complete to current UK/EU deactivation standard, the bolt cycles under spring pressure, the trigger operates, and the magazine is removable. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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