*British, WW1, .303" Birmingham Small Arms ShtLE Mark III* Bolt Action Rifle (SMLE), Dated 1916, Matching serial numbers, EU Spec*
Serial Number: 61921, marked on the nose, on the RHS Barrel, cocking piece
Barrel Length: 25.25"
Calibre: .303
Marked on Trigger Band: Crown, GR, B.S.A.C.co, 1916, ShtLE III*
Marked on barrel: RHS - 1 over 61921 over Crown, LHS - Crown over G.R. over obscured crossed flags, over P (proof mark), Crown over Indistinct over 16, War Arrow over EFD (Enfield mark) over 29,
Marked on top of barrel: .303, NP beneath logo of sword arm
Marked on cocking piece: 1 1921, Crown over EFD over 13, War Arrow.
Marked directly below cocking handle: W
Marked on safety catch: III
Marked behind safety: 38, Crown over Indistinct
Marked on sight: Crown War Arrow, 2-20,
Marked under sight: War Arrow
Marked under sight on Barrel: HV
Marked on trigger guard: War arrow, over crown over indistinct
Marked on Magazine: 4
Marked on stacking hook: War Arrow
The insignia featuring a Crown Cypher over “GR” and “B.S.A.C.co 1916 ShtLE Mk III*” denotes its production at the Birmingham Small Arms, with “ShtLE” standing for Short Lee-Enfield. During World War I (1914-1918), BSA produced a total of 1,581,854 SMLE rifles; with 435,212 made in 1916. This rifle is chambered in .303 British, equipped with a detachable ten-shot box magazine, and features an Enfield bolt mechanism. It has a solid brass butt-plate with a cleaning equipment trap (empty), with the safety catch positioned on the rear left-hand side of the action, marked “III.” A brass ID disc is embedded into the right-hand side of the butt, although it lacks any identifying information. The rifle is equipped with twin sling swivels and a stacking hook.
The Lee–Enfield, also known as the Enfield, is a bolt-action, magazine-fed rifle that was the primary firearm of the British Empire from 1895 to 1957. The Mk. III* variant, omitted the magazine cut off, volley sights, and windage adjustment on the rear sight. Noteworthy is the unchanged protective ear, positioned to the right to accommodate the absent windage screw. It was introduced as a streamlined version for wartime use, saw extensive service in both World Wars and beyond.
*Condition*
Deactivated to EU Spec, with a fully moving bolt and trigger, this rifle is an iconic 20th-century collectible. It can't cock or dry fire. It is a particularly rare find with its’ matching numbers. It is in excellent condition with a great patina and the marks and dings commensurate with age and service. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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