Just got a 1895 Sparbrook

DaveM

DaveM

CGN Regular
Rating - 100%
136   0   0
Location
Manisnowba
I thought I would share what I picked up recently and find out what I have. I know it's not the jewel that is in an earlier thread but I am curious. Restoring its original length is the goal for her. So far the info I have is non matching bolt but all else seems to match. Here are some pics.

2011-10-25015-1.jpg


2011-10-25024.jpg


2011-10-25023.jpg


2011-10-25018.jpg


2011-10-25014.jpg


2011-10-25037.jpg


2011-10-25035.jpg


2011-10-25017-1.jpg


Any info or advice would be appreciated. I'm not a wood guy but I'd like to take a crack at restoring this old girl. Thanks
 
Nice find!

Nice find! Mk.II* Magazine Lee Metford.

Looks like somebody drawfiled the barrel reinforce and removed some of the markings. However, what is left tells me that it was taken into Royal Navy service (P1/N/1) in May 1913 (5/13) . Also there is a Birmingham civvy proof mark (crown BM) on the receiver ring from when it was surplused and sold through the Brit gun trade, pre 1956.

The butt tang shows regimental marking to the Royal Engineers (RE) rack number 4213.

Not a wood guy? It shouldn't be a problem. All you need is a forearm, handguard, barrel band, nosecap and sling swivels. Basically a resto that involves a little hand fitting and assembling some parts to bring her back to spec.

Original wood will be a challenge to find. I know of only one chap in New Zealand who is currently hand making repop wood. Excellent work but not cheap.

Keep your eyes on Epay for the barrel band and nosecap, they come up for sale quite often. I just picked one up, Sparkbrook marked for my 1896 Mk.II*.

Another member Coggansfield is doing a survey on MLM Mk.II and Mk.II*, he would be interested in info from your rifle.
 
Last edited:
Did Sparkbrook mark any riles with standard horizontal serial numbers, or were they all marked vertically?

I only have 2 but have seen several others and all were marked with the vertical numbers.

Has the rifle in the OP been bobbed? For some reason, it looks shorter than mine.
 
It appears from my observations that Sparkbrook always marked their rifles with a vertical string. Perhaps this was due to their roll die machine setup. The Sparkbrook rifles that I have seen with horizontal strings appear to be renumbered at another factory (eg. Enfield rework as witnessed by inspector marks). But never say never or always.

Chatted with the OP and I believe that the barrel has been bobbed half and inch to restore the crown.
 
Half an inch is nothing apart from a mild aggravation.

Restored, it would be a real beauty and fit to be at the centre of any collection of Lee rifles.
 
smellie said:
Half an inch is nothing apart from a mild aggravation.
Click to expand...

Ya, but you would not be able to mount a bayonet, the barrel would not be long enough to support the muzzle ring.

So with that barrel, it couldn't be fully restored back to full milspec. However, it could have an extension welded on and then be counterbored.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom