I unwrapped both of mine since the packing was compromised then they opened it to check the serial number and stamp the importers mark. You will hear from both sides of the aisle about unwrapping them. My 2 cents follows
1.Who are you saving it for? The guy who buys it from your estate?
2. It's about as useful in that condition as a two by four wrapped in the same paper.
3.This is NOT a Colt Patterson or a Civil War Henry rifle.
4.This is NOT T.E. Lawrances Enfield
5. This rifle WILL NOT be carried through the surf on Juno Beach, it will not be dragged up the rocks at Monte Cassino or scoured by a sandstorm in North Africa.
It will be placed in the safe. You will take it to the range in a padded case, shoot it, put it back in the case, take it home, clean it, and put it back in the safe. The amount of wear will be minimal.
Now just waiting for the flames from the "collectors"
Well to each their own. I bought about three of these rifles in the mid to early 90s. A set of consecutive rifles, and one rifle in the wrap. While I kept the two consecutive rifles in the wrap, I unpacked it should be other rifle to shoot. But back then these rifles were still available to everyone. You could buy two consecutive rifles, three, even sets of four, or six rifles with consecutive serial numbers. If memory serves me correct, the cost was about $250 each. The local store in Toronto was Le Baron, they sold for about the same price as they did at Century international.
Who wouldn't be saving it for, collectors, historians, hey maybe we'll even see that long enough to become as collectible as a colt Patterson, or Civil War Henry rifle.
It's not a T.E. Lawrance SMLE, I think even his rifles to simply a battlefield pickup. As an officer he would not be issued with SMLE. The rifle in the Imperial war Museum, he is, could be, probably is, the rifle that he used in his campaign against the Turks.
Now you're ready John, this rifle won't be carried to the surf of Juno Beach. Article back in time of be dragged up the rocks at Monte Cassino or scoured the sandstorms in North Africa. Rifles left an original state will be treasured, admired and respected. Just like those who sell military parts, rifles, collectible memorabilia. Kind have to rely on collectors to spend the kind of money that they often have to pay from dealers.
It doesn't matter anyway, it just doesn't make sense to spend the kind of money on the collectible Lee Enfield No4Mk2, they were not really used in a combat role or nothing really significant in history. It's just a Lee Enfield, that's new, unused, and still in its original factory wrap. From a cost standpoint it makes absolutely no sense to buy a rifle that's nearly $1000 to unwrap it to make it into a rifle worth $600. That's the standpoint of a collector in Canada. Their ample opportunities to purchase an already unwrapped the Enfield. Already cleaned, ready to shoot. If someone wants to clean Cosmo enough rifles, unwrap them, etc. there are many mill surplus out there that are in greater numbers and cost a fraction of what this Lee Enfield does. Is
I guess from the standpoint of a collector, the viewpoint of one lesson the wrap, only makes the ones that are in collections, better set aside, admired, and appreciated. Will be worth a greater value at the end of the day because there's one less rapidly Enfield on the market.
My honest to God suggestions are the gold by an AIA Lee Enfield in 7.62x51mm. These rifles or equal value from a cost standpoint, we give one just as much enjoyment and satisfaction that the rifle that you're using is not a collector piece and that parts are available if you need. The loss of monetary value to the rifle, would be less overall.
Just my humble opinion.
Peter
