Value is about $3,000-4,000 but it varies a lot. They are a classic rifle and one that many collectors can only dream of owning someday. Variables when comparing sales prices include: Maker, version, year, condition, completeness, model of scope, matching numbers and above all, desire of a buyer who has the money. Best selling times may be Spring and Fall. Christmas gifts and summer vacations for family tend to claim priority in spending . . . or divorce settlements can kick in!
Most valuable component is the scope and bracket. If someday you chose to separate the scope/bracket from the rifle, do not feel badly about it. The rifle never had a scope fitted to it in service is my OPINION. There are many people with ex-sniper rifles needing scope sets. Hopefully rifle 36315 will turn up someday to be reunited.
RIFLE
Rifle appears to be one of the incomplete sniper conversions, known as a No. 4 Mk. I (T. LESS TELESCOPE). There is no "T" on the left sidewall and no scope serial number on the butt.
Bolt appears to match the rifle. Last three digits are clear "571". Conversion was done by Holland and Holland ("S51" was their wartime code.)
Backsight is a Mark I modified, made by Singer ("SM").
"TR" = Rifle selected for conversion to Telescopic Rifle.
Fore-end is serial numbered to the rifle so it has not been changed.
SCOPE & BRACKET
Model No. 32 MK. III.
Made in UK. Scope made by CTS. No year, likely 1944-1945.
Scope SN 21472
Red "W" is for waterproofed.
Blue "B" is for blooming (better light gathering e.g. at dawn and dusk)
Optical Store number for this model of scope is OS. 2039 A.
The scope and bracket came off of a No. 4 MK. I (T) serial number _36315 (there likely was a prefix letter that is not shown).
The bracket had previously been fitted to a different sniper rifle. That SN is cancelled out and is something like A35305. The scope clamp numbers are 74 and 75 (numbered to prevent mix-ups)
This model scope was introduced about October 1944.
Missing from set are:
- Scope caps, leather
- Scope Case No. 8 (Steel or canvas)
- Sling Model of 1917, American. Usually circa 1918 dated but some ended up with WWII U.S. slings in service. Some snipers used a Bren Gun web sling as it would not rot. See WWII photo of Sgt. Marshall of Calgary Highlanders. A standard Lee-Enfield web sling (same as Bren sling but shorter) will do in a pinch,
- Chest No. 15 Mk. I (not a big deal as this was really just used for shipping and for storage sometimes. It was not carried in the field.)
There is no sniper swivel in front of the magazine. These were added starting in late 1944 or early 1945 and not every sniper rifle or partially converted sniper rifle rifle was fitted with one. Easy to add or remove.
We do not know why but several thousand No. 4 rifles appear to have been PARTIALLY converted to sniper equipment. Most seem to have been made by Stevens-Savage in the USA but a few of these were British made. These rifles were worked on by Holland and Holland. Cheek rests were added. Scope pads were added. Backsight had the battle peepsight removed so as to clear a scope. Yours appears to be one of these.
Even though I believe it is a No.4 (T. LESS TELESCOPE) with an added scope and bracket from a No.4 Mk.I (T), it still looks and feels like a complete No.4 Mk.I (T). Something that can be enjoyed.
For more information on the No. 4 (T) sniper rifles, please seen my web site at:
https://captainstevens.com/military/weapons/snipers/lee-enfield-no-4-mk-i-t-sniper-rifle/