Enfield No1 MkIII info

Mac_63

Mac_63

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Nova Scotia
I am pretty new to the Military collecting, I started with the restoration of a Long Branch 1942. Recently adding the two guns in the photo.
I have pretty good idea about the No5, but the No1 is where I need some help. Its marked BSA Co 1916 SHT. LE III* all the numbers match the serial number starts with an R and a 4 digit number, all the numbers match bolt,reciever, and nose cap. The barrel blue is in excellent condition.

Its it a 1916 year?, Is it an original gun or a factory refurbishment., Is there more markings or information needed ?

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Flip up the Bolt Handle and see what's there.

If it says 1916, then you have an original First World War rifle!

The Royal Signet (Crown and GR) mean that it was Government Property, actually, in theory, the property of His Majesty King George V.

It's The Real Thing.

IF it has been rebuilt at some time, the REBUILD DATE will be the same as the Barrel Date. The Barrel Date is on the left side of the barrel as you are sighting the rifle, on the Chamber at about 10 o'clock position. You have to remove that Rear Handguard to see it (just pry UP in the middle with a WIDE screwdriver or other WIDE implement: too much prying in one spot CAN crack the Handguard after 96 years). Barrel dates are always TWO digits with an Apostrophe before: '18 for a 1918-installed barrel.

NICE piece!

Hope this helps.
 
I checked the barrel marking is '16 on the left side as you indicated the right wrist ring has the Crown and the leters GR then BSA Co 1916 SHT. LE III* 1916

The right side of the barrel is stamped with the same serial number there are a bunch of tiny markings a tiny crown over GR with crossed flags with a P under them then a few tiny numbers 21 over 8 then '16 then an arrow pointing towards the '16

The bayonet is marked 1907 Sanderson with the little crown

wow I am happy,,I didn't expect expect it to be original, the blue on the barrel is excellent condition,
 
Lovely rifle.....Good to see a matching original. What markings do you have on the brass butt stock disc..? Hope its shoots as good as its looks...No reason why not..!
 
Mac_63 said:
Thanks,,,I started with a 1942 long branch these make three and I can see there will be more,,I realy enjoy the history,,
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That's good to hear....I'm originally from the UK and have always been keen on WW1/WW2 history. Currently have 6 Enfield's and always looking for more:))
 
Mac_63 said:
I enjoy the history search and the knowledeg of the memebers on this site, to me its kind of like looking treasure hunting.
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Those rifles have lots of markings, inspection/proof marks, so always fun to do some research on them. Often wonder where these rifles have been and in who's hands over all those years. Nice to be able to preserve and look after these rifles..
 
I am happy with it for sure, the No5 in the picture is a great little gun as well, made in 1947 numbers matching ,,,I agree I can only imagine the hands these old treasures pass through.
 
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