British, 1913, Enfield .303 ShtLE (SMLE) Mk III Bolt-Action Service Rifle with Magazine Cut-Off, Inter-War Refurbished (1937) & Later Drill Purpose, Old Spec Deactivated, Sling, Cleaning Kit, Magazine & 6 Inert .303 Cartridges

*British, 1913, Enfield .303 ShtLE (SMLE) Mk III Bolt-Action Service Rifle with Magazine Cut-Off, Inter-War Refurbished (1937) & Later Drill Purpose, Old Spec Deactivated, Sling, Cleaning Kit, Magazine & 6 Inert .303 Cartridges*

Serial No: 4159

A highly desirable pre-First World War Short Magazine Lee-Enfield Mk III rifle manufactured at the Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield, in 1913, representing the final phase of carefully finished peacetime production before the outbreak of the Great War.

The receiver wrist is crisply marked: “Crown / G.R. / ENFIELD / 1913 / SHT L.E. / III”, confirming manufacture during the reign of King George V at the British government’s principal small arms factory. The rifle bears serial number 4159, visible on the receiver and barrel. The barrel also carries the marking DP 4159, reflecting its later designation as a Drill Purpose rifle after withdrawal from live firing service. On the right side of the barrel knox form the original barrel serial number (appearing to read “V 5395”) has been lined out and the barrel renumbered, a common armourer practice carried out during military refurbishment. The rifle retains the desirable magazine cut-off, a feature present on early Mk III rifles but omitted from the simplified Mk III* pattern introduced during wartime production in 1916. The rear sight ladder is additionally marked “H.V.”, indicating modification for use with the .303 Mk VII high-velocity service cartridge adopted before the First World War. Inspection marks and military proofs are present throughout the rifle including broad arrow acceptance marks and Enfield inspection stamps, demonstrating its long service within British military stores. The left wrist of the butt is stamped “37”, likely indicating an inter-war inspection or refurbishment in 1937, a period when many earlier SMLE rifles were overhauled prior to the approach of the Second World War.

The detachable steel magazine bears several inspection marks including C / Broad Arrow / 3, together with IZ inspection marks and a “2” stamped to the base plate, all consistent with British military issue magazines.

The rifle is accompanied by its original sling, together with a cleaning pull-through cord with brass weight, a cleaning patch and six inert .303 cartridges representing wartime and later production.

Approx. Measurements – Barrel length: 63 cm. Overall length: 110 cm.

Historical Note:
The Short Magazine Lee-Enfield Mk III, introduced in 1907, became the standard service rifle of the British Army and Commonwealth forces during the First World War. Renowned for its reliability and exceptionally rapid rate of fire in trained hands, the rifle formed the backbone of British infantry firepower throughout the conflict.

Rifles manufactured before the outbreak of war, such as this 1913 Enfield example, represent the final stage of peacetime manufacture before wartime demand required simplified production and the introduction of the Mk III* variant.

Throughout their long service lives SMLE rifles were repeatedly inspected and refurbished by military armourers. Components were renumbered where required to maintain inventory control and serviceability, and rifles were periodically overhauled in military workshops. Many rifles that remained structurally sound but were withdrawn from ball firing were later designated “DP” (Drill Purpose) and retained for use in training establishments, drill instruction and cadet units. In this role they often continued to serve for decades beyond their original operational careers.

The H.V. marking indicates that the rifle was updated for the Mk VII high-velocity .303 service cartridge following its original manufacture, reflecting its continued use after the introduction of this ammunition type. The rifle subsequently appears to have undergone inter-war inspection or refurbishment in 1937, as indicated by the wrist marking. At a later stage in its service life it was officially downgraded and marked DP (Drill Purpose) for continued use in training and instructional roles. Taken together, these markings clearly illustrate the typical long service life of the Lee-Enfield rifle within British military stores, charting its progression from front-line service through inter-war refurbishment and ultimately into training use.

*Condition*
The rifle presents well and retains strong original military character throughout. The metalwork shows an even aged finish with scattered service wear consistent with military use. Numerous original inspection and proof marks remain visible. The wood furniture displays handling marks and minor knocks commensurate with age and service, with inspection stamps still visible including the “37” refurbishment marking to the wrist. The barrel shows the lined-out earlier serial number and subsequent renumbering consistent with military armourer refurbishment practices. The rifle bears Drill Purpose markings indicating its later conversion for training use and is deactivated to Old Specification standards. It is supplied with its detachable magazine, sling, cleaning pull-through with brass weight, cleaning patch and six inert .303 cartridges. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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