British, WW1 - Dated 1916, L.S.A. Co. .303 ShtLE (SMLE) Mk III Bolt-Action Service Rifle, Magazine Cut-Off, Later Drill Purpose, Sling, Serial No. 92395, Matching nos, Deactivated

*British, WW1 - Dated 1916, L.S.A. Co. .303 ShtLE (SMLE) Mk III Bolt-Action Service Rifle, Magazine Cut-Off, Later Drill Purpose, Sling, Serial No. M92395, Matching nos, Deactivated*

A very good and honest First World War dated British Short Magazine Lee-Enfield Mk III service rifle, manufactured in 1916 by the London Small Arms Company and later withdrawn from service for Drill Purpose use, retaining early war features including the magazine cut-off together with clear original military markings throughout.

The receiver socket is stamped with crown over G.R. / L.S.A. Co Ld / 1916 / Sht L.E. / III, confirming manufacture in 1916 by the London Small Arms Company Limited, one of the principal private contractors producing SMLE rifles for the British government during the Great War. Rifles by L.S.A. were produced in lower numbers than those of Enfield or BSA and are consequently encountered less frequently today.

The rifle is serial numbered M92395 on the receiver, with the same number present on the bolt handle, rear sight, and nose cap, indicating that the principal components remain matching from military service. The butt is additionally stamped with inspection and issue marks together with the same serial number, consistent with British ordnance practice. The upper barrel band is marked L, denoting manufacture by the London Small Arms Company and further supporting the rifle’s original wartime assembly. Numerous government inspection and acceptance stamps remain visible throughout the metalwork and woodwork, together with later D.P. markings, confirming official withdrawal from firing service for training use.

The barrel reinforce is stamped D.P., showing formal conversion to Drill Purpose, carried out once the rifle was no longer considered suitable for live firing. Additional DP stamps are present in the woodwork, as commonly seen on rifles retained for cadet, instructional, and parade use. The butt retains its brass buttplate, the regimental disc having been removed, a frequent occurrence on rifles that remained in service after the First World War.

The rifle is fitted with a period webbing sling and presents as a well-marked and matching First World War L.S.A. manufactured SMLE that saw extended service life before official conversion to drill use.

Approx. Measurements – Barrel length: 63 cm. Overall length: 112.4 cm.

History Note:
The Short Magazine Lee-Enfield Mk III was the standard service rifle of the British Army during the First World War and remained in widespread use throughout the inter-war period and into the early years of the Second World War. Introduced in 1907, the Mk III combined the Lee bolt system with a charger-loading bridge and improved sights, allowing rapid and accurate fire, and quickly became one of the most recognisable military rifles of the 20th century.

This example was manufactured in 1916 by the London Small Arms Company Ltd (L.S.A. Co.), one of the principal private contractors supplying rifles to the British government alongside the Royal Small Arms Factory at Enfield and the Birmingham Small Arms Company. Although considered one of the major wartime producers, LSA’s total output was significantly lower than that of BSA or Enfield, and rifles bearing the L.S.A. marking are encountered less frequently today. Early and mid-war Mk III rifles such as this one, retaining the magazine cut-off and original configuration, represent the standard pattern issued to British and Empire forces during the height of the Great War.

Following active service, large numbers of SMLE rifles were retained by the British military for training and instructional purposes. Rifles that were no longer suitable for live firing were officially converted to Drill Purpose (D.P.), being marked accordingly and issued for cadet units, drill instruction, and parade use. Many rifles converted in this way had seen long service, and examples that still retain matching numbered components and clear manufacturer markings provide a good record of their extended military life.

The present rifle is therefore a representative wartime L.S.A. manufactured Mk III that remained in service long enough to be officially downgraded for drill use, surviving today as a well-marked and matching example of a First World War British service rifle.

*Condition*
Overall good service-used condition consistent with military use and later training issue. Metalwork shows honest wear and patina with clear markings throughout. Woodwork worn but solid, with DP stamps visible. Brass buttplate present, butt disc absent. Magazine removable. Bolt slides freely but does not cock or fire due to deactivation. The rifle is accompanied by a Birmingham Proof House EU-spec deactivation certificate dated 2026, confirming current UK legal deactivated status. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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