Info on ShtLE III

[CFMitch]

A few years ago I bought a deactivated No.1 Mk III Short Magazine Lee Enfield just for sh*ts and giggles. I've been meaning for a long time to find out more about it and the value of it. The entire rifle has matching serial numbers. Bolt, Reciever, Magazine, Sight, Butt Plug.

This deactivated rifle has a working cycling bolt, trigger, and mag release. The rifle itself is in a really good shape. Atleast to me it is. The breach has been welded closed and the end of the barrel sealed. The left side of the breach has been welded through so there is a small hole.

Now the only info I know of this particular rifle was it was manufactured at the Royal Ordnance Factory Maltby, Yorkshire. I'm guessing WWI timeline.

On one of the pictures below on the wrist, the stamping is shown to be done a long time ago. But on the year of manufacture, it looks like the decade was restamped to 41. I'm guessing that was when it was refurbed or barrel was changed?????

I'm also unsure what the "B" stamped on the wrist, and mag stand for.

If you know more info, please help. I've read lots but I know there is better guru's on here.

Just to note, what looks to be rust or dirt in the pictures is just grease. And sorry for the bad quality of the pictures. Camera didn't do what I wanted it too.

Left side of bolt.

Reciever Stamp of gov't markings and inspection markings.

Unsure of the B E3??? Located on left side of sight guard.

Unsure what the B stamped here stands for.

Bolt and Reciever stamped with serial number.

Cheers,
Mitch

 

[ArtyMan]

LouthePou or Smellie should be along shortly...

 

[Nabs]

Most of the markings are inspector stamps along with British military broad arrow proof mark.

The butt socket is quite interesting. I am, however, no Lee Enfield expert but I am going to hazard a guess and say this rifle may be a peddled scheme example with an earlier made receiver used in a later production period. I have a 1940 BSA that is like this.

In any event, I like the crisp clear stamps on yours. Shame she is a de-watt.

 

[sunray]

"...the value of it..." Very little except for some of the parts.
The 'B' indicates Birmingham Small Arms - Shirley. A Maltby would be stamped R.O.F.M. Maltby.
It has a mix of parts.
Go here for the assorted stampngs. No. 1's and No. 4's were made in a lot of the same plants. http://www.enfieldrifles.ca/main.htm

 

[Pblatzz]

Yeap, peddled scheme rifle.

 

[John Sukey]

The M is part of the serial number, NOT the factory
I don't believe WW1 lasted until 1941

As others have stated.not much in the way of value, perhaps as a decorater hanging over the fireplace.

 

[louthepou]

I too think the "B" is for BSA.

As far as value goes: sometimes we could be surprised to see how much a dewat Lee Enfield can fetch. Many folks who don't have a PAL could appreciate having one in their home as decoration.