Help with Lee Enfield No 4 Mk 1

slushee

slushee

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Ontario
So i was asked by a family friend to pop out and take a look at a rifle that's been stored in a barn since the '40's.

Once I arrived I noticed it was a Lee Enfield. Stamped on the side is "Lee Enfield No4 MkI" with no other markings. I also noted there was a bayonet affixed. The wood also looks in decent shape (no mold).

However, I noticed there was 3 different types of grease smeared across the rifle. I also noticed things like the metal strapping and the sling swivels were rusty.

I told him that depending on the bore condition, if the serial numbers match, and who manufactured it could greatly increase the price. I also suggested highly that he strip and clean it so we can determine all those details. He said he was absolutly not interested in stripping the firearm, and that he wants to sell it as is. While I told him it might be worth some decent money, in its current condition it would only be worth $200-$400.

Is this assessment correct? Needless to say, this firearm is for sale. I don't know what the mods will say but if anyone is interested i can direct you to the seller and it would be up to the two of you to work out the details of the sale. In all likely hood, it would need to be a local deal.

Anyhow, I'm more interested in anyones thoughts on if this old girl is even worth saving? My knowledge of firearms is a little limited in this field. Any comments would be appreciated.

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YOU LUCKY S.O.B!!!!! First off, degrease that puppy. You can use Varsol and make sure you've got lots of rags. The rusty metal can be cleaned with light oil and 4 zero steel wool. This should remove any surface rust and not damage the parkerizing. When you're done with that, look at disassembly. Don't force the screws and damage the heads. Make sure you have the correct flat head screwdriver, and if the screws are too tight, try some penetrating oil and wait for a while. Restoing that will be a labour of love and it should come up beautifully.
 
From the looks of it, if the bore is nice, there's lots of potential. If the hidden metal was also greased, should be ok. But if not, then a really bad surprise could be hidden under the wood.

Lou
 
X3 on saving it. I use extra fine steel wool dry with no oil and I've found that saves the finish.

Looks like it would be a fun project. Offer him $100 for it and reap the rewards.
 
If you can get better picks of the serial number it will help to determine the maker.


Exterior is ok, but unless the barrel was greased, by the look of the foreend the barrel could have severe rust.
 
Unfortunatly i can say that first off, this rifle was not properly greased. I am afraid of what the bore might look like. I also was unable to obtain anything about the serial number's etc.

Like I said, he does not want to degrease/clean at all. I don't know why. He's an old farmer i guess. Unfortunatly I dont have the time or money to start a project of this kind, all I can hope for is to try and get this rifle out of the barn and into the hands of someone who actually wants this rifle. To the farmer, I believe he thinks its just old junk.

I just walked away shaking my head. I honestly dont understand why he refused to even clean the thing.
 
If he thinks it's old junk offer him $20 bucks for it and then and put it on the EE. You'll make a couple bucks and possibly save a rifle.
 
I'd give you $200 as is plus shipping. The parts would be worth that. The guts may be junk so you never know till you strip it.
 
I dunno if it's that much of a gamble after seeing the recent prices on the EE.

Hell, guys are selling wallhangers for that these days!
 
Certainly needs more investigation, but it looks pretty rough - a layer of grease can hide a lot of sins, which makes me highly suspicious. Especially since you say it has 3 types of grease? How long has it been there?History??? Why has it got a bayonet attached??
Tell him you'll take it off his hands so he isn't breaking any unsafe storage laws, by the sounds of it he may just give it to you.
 
It is a MALTBY #28020 over a R and your price range is about right IF THE BORE IS GOOD,the bolt matchs and it is a 5 GROOVE BARREL.The facter here is it is complete and untouched.The wood is too oil soaked to have any rot in it.



slushee said:
So i was asked by a family friend to pop out and take a look at a rifle that's been stored in a barn since the '40's.

Once I arrived I noticed it was a Lee Enfield. Stamped on the side is "Lee Enfield No4 MkI" with no other markings. I also noted there was a bayonet affixed. The wood also looks in decent shape (no mold).

However, I noticed there was 3 different types of grease smeared across the rifle. I also noticed things like the metal strapping and the sling swivels were rusty.

I told him that depending on the bore condition, if the serial numbers match, and who manufactured it could greatly increase the price. I also suggested highly that he strip and clean it so we can determine all those details. He said he was absolutly not interested in stripping the firearm, and that he wants to sell it as is. While I told him it might be worth some decent money, in its current condition it would only be worth $200-$400.

Is this assessment correct? Needless to say, this firearm is for sale. I don't know what the mods will say but if anyone is interested i can direct you to the seller and it would be up to the two of you to work out the details of the sale. In all likely hood, it would need to be a local deal.

Anyhow, I'm more interested in anyones thoughts on if this old girl is even worth saving? My knowledge of firearms is a little limited in this field. Any comments would be appreciated.
Click to expand...
 
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desporterizer said:
Thats quite the gamble, you dont know if the wood is more rot that wood. The rodents inthe mag may also be upset at the eviction.
Click to expand...
I love a bit of a gamble. I have bought a few firearms sight unseen and lost and I have bought a few and won. So far, I am ahead a bit on the gamble. The parts would have to be really bad not to be salvagable. The bore and the wood are a crap shoot but I would lay my money on the wood.
 
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