WW1 SMLE time capsules

[Claven2]

Thought I'd share this one while I had it outside the vault for inspection. This is as close to an unissued WW1 SMLE as I've ever owned (and I've owned a fair few).

While it's a typical RSAF Enfield SMLE MkIII* made in 1918, this one has never been through a refurb, no FR work, no parts changed - it's completely as manufactured, no import marks, and really only small handling marks on the rifle. I've never fired it (I have many others to fire) and the bore is like new. The muzzle and action interior are even still bright white (these were rust blued and when original finish, these parts remain in the white). All serial numbers match in identical font. It even retains WW1 "expediency" features that were usually replaced post-war, like a steel buttplate with gunmetal trapdoor and steel unit marking disk. It is even wearing and Enfield inspected SSA trigger guard pulled from the common parts pools in use in 1918.

I have rarer SMLEs, but none nicer than this one. It's actually pretty amazing the fit and finish the factories were turning out in 1918 at the height of war materials and labor shortages.

Would love to see any of the SMLE gems you all have - those that somehow missed all the refurb programs and are still "as they left the factory".

 

[lance]

Here is a second example. A mint WWI SMLE Mark III* from 1916 that made it through without being touched. It was my first "collectable" Lee-Enfield purchased a long, long time ago@

 

[Jon9021]

Amazing! I love SMLE’s…wish I’d never sold mine. Maybe I’ll get another one someday.

 

[kjohn]

I have a beautiful "Indonesian" SMLE, obviously built from an original one. Is essentially a new rifle. I don't have it here at my shop so no pic. I have never fired it.
https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/threads/dutch-indonesian-no1-mk3.2481925/Edit: Found two pics of it. More info here:

 

[MapleSugar]

I have a beautiful "Indonesian" SMLE, obviously built from an original one. Is essentially a new rifle. I don't have it here at my shop so no pic. I have never fired it.
https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/threads/dutch-indonesian-no1-mk3.2481925/View attachment 999190Edit: Found two pics of it. More info here:
View attachment 999193

Does that have a rubberwood stock?

 

[kjohn]

Does that have a rubberwood stock?

No idea what the wood may be. It is lighter than what the pics reveal.

The rifle may or may not have been redone elsewhere than "Indonesia", according to something I read a while back.

 

[MapleSugar]

No idea what the wood may be. It is lighter than what the pics reveal.

The rifle may or may not have been redone elsewhere than "Indonesia", according to something I read a while back.

Thanks! It sure looks a lot like some of the rubberwood furniture that I have.

It's a very light hardwood when stained with a clear finish.

 

[farrukh3510]

hi,
I’m looking to buy Lee Enfield no 4 mk1. Can someone suggest me where I can get it.
Thanks

 

[Claven2]

hi,
I’m looking to buy Lee Enfield no 4 mk1. Can someone suggest me where I can get it.
Thanks

Equipment exchange is a good place to start, or many of the sponsoring dealers stock them periodically.

 

[5THBATT]

1909 Enfield MkIII still sighted for MkVI

 

[5THBATT]

1911 BSA MkIII even has the original numbered cocking piece

 

[Claven2]

Those mkIII’s are some beautiful pieces.

 

[Mattyr82]

Here are some of my No.1s and others.

I'm missing a couple of other SMLEs in the photos including;
1912 BSA,
2 x 1916 Lithgows,
1914 Enfield
1929 Lithgow
1901/1909 ConD IV

Top to bottom on the 1st pic-
1904 Mk.1 Enfield
1904 Mk.1 Enfield
1913 No.1 Mk.III Lithgow
1913 No.1 Mk.III Lithgow
1914 No.1 Mk.III Lithgow
1914 No.1 Mk.III Lithgow
1915 No.1 Mk.III Lithgow
1915 No.1 Mk.III Lithgow
1915 No.1 Mk.III Lithgow
1907 No.1 Mk.III Enfield
1908 No.1 Mk.III Enfield
1953 No.1 Mk.III* Lithgow
1916 No.1 Mk.III Lithgow
1916 No.1 Mk.III Lithgow
1943 No.1 Mk.III* BSA
1953 No.1 Mk.III* Lithgow

I've managed to sneak a Ross Mk.III into the mix too which I like immensely.

If anyone has any 1913 or 1914 Lithgows they would like to sell, I'm all ears!

 

[Claven2]

Uh… are all of those as-made non-refurbs? If so, lucky man to find so many with cash in hand.

I’m thinking not though, with some missing wood, skeletonized ears, etc.

 

[Mattyr82]

Uh… are all of those as-made non-refurbs? If so, lucky man to find so many with cash in hand.

I’m thinking not though, with some missing wood, skeletonized ears, etc.

They’re all functional. A couple have been through the Lithgow FTR process.
Some are all original except for a new barrel and some are all original with original barrel.

 

[Mattyr82]

The middle one here is a time capsule from 1916.

 

[Claven2]

Queensland maple?

 

[Mattyr82]

Yes. Has the 3 MD inventory number and date of issue too.
I have a 1915 Lithgow that’s all original, 2 1904 Mk.1s all original and the Ross rifle is still as it was too.

 

[bros]

Yes. Has the 3 MD inventory number and date of issue too.
I have a 1915 Lithgow that’s all original, 2 1904 Mk.1s all original and the Ross rifle is still as it was too.

Maybe you could post a few better pics of the 2- 1904 MK 1 rifles. Both no star? If so that's pretty rare!
I enjoy this thread Claven2.

Thanks

 

[maple_leaf_eh]

What inventory screw up diverts a wartime production rifle from delivery to the soldier who needs it?