Thank-you all for the information. Any other opinions on a value for this rare bird? and this model of magazine ?
The original (type 1) magazine for the Mk1 SMLE had a link loop attached to the front of the case & a loop on the front of the trigger guard & a single link to attach the mag to the rifle just like the Long Lees, in 1906 the Mk1* SMLE was introduced & that had the type 2 mag which did away with the link loop & was made deeper in the front to help with Charger loading, the type 3 mag is a conversion of the earlier type 1 & 2 cases to enable their use with the new MkVII ammo & its pointed projectile, the most obvious difference is the addition of the left feed lip riveted to the case that is clearly visible in your photo, there were other small changes involving the follower & auxiliary spring.
Type 4 mag was a new design for use with the MkVII ammo & is the most common found mag for the SMLE
Type 1, no numbers stamped on case, auxiliary spring or follower (loading platform).
Type 2, the number 2 stamped on the lower part of the back rib & on the auxiliary spring, no number stamped on the follower as both types 1 & 2 used the same pattern of follower.
Type 3, the number 3 stamped on the lower part of the back rib & on the auxiliary spring & the number 2 stamped on the follower as it was modified to clear the new LH feed lip.
Type 4, the number 4 stamped on the lower part of the back rib & on the auxiliary spring & the number 3 stamped on the follower.
Types 1,2 & 3 all had the rotating RH feed lip.
My 1904 Mk1 SMLE
With the type 1 Magazine