Dutch/Indonesian No1 MK3

B

bros

Regular
Super GunNutz
Rating - 100%
31   0   0
Location
AS FAR FROM TRUDEAU AS I CAN GET
I've been trying to research this rifle that was sold at Switzer's Auction house last weekend but have came up more less empty handed.

I'm looking for some info on this SMLE.

Skennerton talks about a "Indonesian" rifle not a "Dutch" rifle in his book "The Lee Enfield", see last paragraph pg 207 and continuing on pg. 208........his description somewhat coincides with this rifle especially in regards to the serial number range and where they applied the serial numbers of these rifles, he used for example 0-002878 as a new serial number range. He also specifically states "Indonesia" refurbished some SMLE rifles and all the original inspection marks had been ground or machined off. These rifles were thought to be of Australian origin.

Switzers description seems to imply a strong Dutch connection as in the title and description......... it states "some parts marked AI" which would indicate the Dutch manufacturing facilities of Artillerie-Inrichtingen. Apparently this Dutch company did make spares for the No1MK3 and if these rifles did originate out of Dutch service before going to Indonesia then things start to make some sense! We do know that after WW2 the Dutch did fight in Indonesia as it's colony was seeking independence. I wonder if Skennerton referred to it as an Indonesian rifle because that is where it saw it's wartime service and while there the scrubbing and re-numbering took place and not in the Netherlands.

It's possible the Dutch supplied these rifles to pro Dutch Indonesian forces before the bulk of the Dutch forces went overseas.

Switzers states it was manufactured by Artillery Lichenstein which I believe to be a complete error as this arms manufacturer is in the country of Austria!

It's a bit of a conundrum and maybe you can shed some light on this one!

See link below for pictures and description from Switzer's

https://www.icollector.com/INDONESIAN-DUTCH-LEE-ENFIELD-Model-NO1-MK3-Caliber-303-BR_i54222921
 
Last edited:
I own a gorgeous “Indonesian” SMLE, completely renewed. Beautiful stocks, very light in colour. All original stampings removed. 7.7 stamped on the wrist, along with a serial number. Magazine cut-off installed. It holds a top tier spot in my pile of “them old army rifles”. 😜

Edit: you might want to take Switzer’s description with a couple of tablespoons of salt. I haven’t any real good info on who actually refurbed the rifle I own, but I would favour Australia over Austria.
 
kjohn said:
https://www.enfield-rifles.com/history-on-the-dutch-lee-enfield-rifles_topic11488.html

Go here. There is info that will help, namely the people who made up these rifles. AI is the initial for the company.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the info Kjohn, I found that link as well and thats about the only info I found on the web. It still leaves me with a lot of questions!

I don't know why they are referred to as a Indonesian rifle when the connection seems purely Dutch, my guess would be these are the rifles that the Dutch forces carried in Indonesia. Are there any AI stamped parts on your rifle?

Have you ever stripped your rifle and found and markings or inspection stamps that might suggest the origin of the rifle?

It would be sure nice to see some pictures of your rifle, are you able to post some?

Thanks for sharing.
 
I did a closer look at mine. Serial No. 0-020377. Marked CAL.7.7, big star below that, 1959 below that on rh wrist socket. Barrel marked big star, 1959, serial no. Bolt has serial no.. Bolt head has B(?) A 42 stamped, no other #. Middle band has 377 stamped, front band/bayonet mount, sight guard has complete serial number stamped. All matching. No distinguishing marks on magazine. Bolt face looks to have never been used. Ribbed cocking piece, faint marking MA 41. Magazine cut-off installed. All metal finish is a grey/blue. Wood has a very nicely done finish. Repair done left side along side magazine well, nicely done. Butt plate is (?) zinc (?).

Overall, it is a very nice rifle. It sits beside another nice No.1 that was 303, converted to Indian spec .410, rebarreled back to .303. All duly marked with the correct markings. Re-wooded by Stuart H. This rifle is a prime example of my lecture I give to budding collectors at gun shows - "Three things: 1. Do your research; 2. Do your research; 3. Always have cash on hand."
 
Interesting. Heard about them but haven’t seen pictures. Tie piece at the back of the forearm is #4 style. The butt plate isn’t the usual brass. Is it a #1 style or #4 style. Australian style safety spring. Nose piece looks like it has holes in the sides. A few differences.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom