Bsa shtle mk111

[customs954]

Got a query regards a nice BSA SHTLE MK111 I picked up. Serial number on rifle is 85737 with letter E above that, this number is on the bolt, receiver, front handquard and the front piece with the front sight and bayonet attachment. The barrel is s/n 2549R. The interesting aspect of the rifle is that it is marked MARTIN on the receiver and MARTIN ADJUSTED on the barrel near the serial number. My understanding is that Alex Martin was a scottish gunsmith that helped introduce the sniper versions as well as accurizing rifles for Bisley competitions. This rifle has a very nice Parker Hale 5A sight that would have been put on by MARTIN? Would I be correct in assuming that he would seek out what he determined to be accurate barrels to match to rifle for competition? This would seem to be the case since both MARTIN and MARTIN ADJUSTED appear next to each other on the receiver and on the barrel where barrel screws into receiver? The barrel has very nice rifling as well. Would opinion be that the Alex Martin stamps help value even though barrel was changed presumably to add accuracy for the rifle. I would assume this rifle would have been shot at Bisley by Canadiens or in competitions such as Bisley?

Hoping the experts out there can shed some light

regards
Rob

 

[jtaylor]

Hi Customs. Martin of Glasgow worked on your SMLE and probably replaced the barrel and bedded the rifle properly. He did good work
and usually did not refinish a rifle keeping the cost down for his client. Fitting of the PH5A would probably be his work as well if the site is level. One should not assume that just because you have a target rifle that is not necessarily a Bisley rifle. Alex Martin did have a few sniper sight equipment contracts for the War Office but they were limited in nature. All gunsmiths profited in some way from War Office contracts during one or both great conflicts. Don't worry about a barrel change - Fulton of Bisley stated that a target rifle would hold great accuracy for 4000 rds then depreciate after that. Good luck with your new prize. John

 

[customs954]

Thanks for the info John, very interesting. Can you give me some idea of value or what premium the 5A sight and Alex Martin provenance might add. Rifle is in generally nice condition not rusty, bore very nice. Has a bayonet with scabbard but not matching, May sell rifle so curious of possible value if you don't mind taking a stab.