Help In ID & Value of Lee Enfield

Personally, I would not list this rifle for less than $800. If it's matching and has a nice shiny bore, I'd say up to about $1200. Authentic target Enfields are not cheap and very collectible. As mentioned, the sight is worth around $150, that sling could be valuable too.
 
Last edited:
Vimy Ridge said:
Personally, I would not list this rifle for less than $800. If it's matching and has a nice shiny bore, I'd say up to about $1200. Authentic target Enfields are not cheap and very collectible. As mentioned, the sight is worth around $150, that sling could be valuable too.
Click to expand...
?

What makes the sling valuable.
I notice there are numbers on the sling.They look like they were stenciled on.
 
After doing some more reading,I found out what SMLE stands for.
I was wondering why someone would use the name smellie for a username.
Why would you boast that you don,t smell so good.
I now understand.
Smellie,I think this rifle has your name all over it.
 
There is a stamping on the inside of the strap.
It looks like NCR 1916.It is a little worn,but that's as close as I could tell.
In white paint someone put the numbers,a little faded,so I'm not sure,but looks like 3239269
 
OT, but I have a 1909 BSA Model 1.22LR made into a take-down by Alexander Martin of Glasgow for a boy's birthday in that year. You can see it here at the bottom of the page -

http://www.rifleman.org.uk/BSA_Model_1.html

The boy died on the Somme around the same time as my grandfather in 1917, and I got the gun off his aging nephew in 1990. As far as anyone knows, it is unique.

Apologies for the thread-drift.

tac
 
Speaking of Alex Martin (sorry for another OT), I have a Martin marked Mk.II** Ross. This was the target rifle. Since Martin had it, it has unfortunately been sported (obviously not by Martin), and the bore is eroded to the point that a .311 bullet will drop in from the breech about 8".

Back on topic, the sling looks to be an early SMLE leather sling in nice shape. These aren't common. For target shooting, the rifle would probably have been used with a two point sling, not a carry strap.
 
There were some shoots in which you had to use a Service sling.

One of the first thing they taught you with the LE rifle was proper use of the sling, and that included engaging longrange targets.
 
I'm ready to list this rifle,but have one more question.
On the rear of the rifle,someone had put their initials in.
It's hard to see and I didn,t first notice it.
I took a picture with a flash and you can see it.
Will this make a milsurp collector shake his head.

DSC01509.jpg
 
FWIW, its not unusual for numbers not to match on a target rifle; competitors were prone to swapping parts around to try to enhance accuracy.
 
I have a question about the brass disc inset into the buttstock- does it have any numbers stamped on it? Is the screw countersunk or proud of the surface?. Just a thought, but it looks like it maybe is unstamped but I wonder if it has just been flipped over? Maybe some numbers on the backside that might identify it's history?
 
vinver said:
I have a question about the brass disc inset into the buttstock- does it have any numbers stamped on it? Is the screw countersunk or proud of the surface?. Just a thought, but it looks like it maybe is unstamped but I wonder if it has just been flipped over? Maybe some numbers on the backside that might identify it's history?
Click to expand...

On the original discs I've seen, the screw is countersunk into the disc, and has a small straight ridge running across the diameter of the rear side which was then impressed into the wood. (I believe this was to stop it turning) It only has one true face. Many discs were never marked.
 
Vimy Ridge,
Thanks for taking the time to post those pics.
I checked out the rifle and everything matches.
I want to thank everyone in this thread who took the time to educate me about this rifle.
I'd have to say the Milsurp group is one of the most educated and friendly forums I have been on.
It seems that when we hit page four of this thread,one of our fellow CGN members,could not hold back any more
and needed to have this rifle.
I spoke to him at length by phone and realized he's a good chap and wants to take this rifle out to shoot it.
A perfect combination.
I followed your advice Vimy Ridge on what I should sell it for.
I'm not going to disclose the selling price or who purchased it.
I'm hoping that the new owner will wind this rifle out and show us some targets he has shot with it.
It was my intention to post this on the EE,but it just never got to make it there.
Again,thank you all for helping me.
I know a lot more than I did a few days ago.
 
^ If there's one fault in the misurp forum, I've found that folks are sometimes a little reluctant to give fair appraisal because everyone wants to buy what you've got! :dancingbanana:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom