Yes it matches.
Until I saw it today, I had to go by what I was told over the phone. Back when it was registered during the first bit of liberal stupidity it was registered as a Lee Met. That's what she went by.
Lee Metford.
- Thread starter wrangler4867
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Until I saw it today, I had to go by what I was told over the phone. Back when it was registered during the first bit of liberal stupidity it was registered as a Lee Met. That's what she went by.
Some pitting. I didn't have time to clean it and see in detail.
Most infantry units had already switched over to the SMLE before the start of WW1, but some rear echelon and service type units still had them but before going to the front had them switched over to SMLE's from my understanding.
Very fine Long Lee. I do not see any issue or Canadian ownership marks. It being an 1896 and LE mk1 it would have been one of the first Canadian deliveries of that model. I am aware that numbers of those rifles went to the Royal Officers Academy and were never issued to units. That could explain the rifle having no Issue marks and belonging to a high ranking Officer
I see. I guess that coincides with the grandaughter saying he was a full Colonel.
Canada acquired MLEs in the '90s. Used them in the South Africa war.
After 1900, the Ross rifle became Canada's service rifle. Canadians who trained at Valcartier in 1914 who went overseas in time to be in the Ypres sector in 1915 carried Ross rifles, primarily Mk. IIIs.
I have seen photos of British troops early in the trench war period armed with MLE rifles. Canadian troops were re-equipped with SMLE rifles 1915-1916.
The rifle may have been floating around and was privately acquired; I would suggest it is most unlikely that it was formally issued to a Canadian during WW1.
After 1900, the Ross rifle became Canada's service rifle. Canadians who trained at Valcartier in 1914 who went overseas in time to be in the Ypres sector in 1915 carried Ross rifles, primarily Mk. IIIs.
I have seen photos of British troops early in the trench war period armed with MLE rifles. Canadian troops were re-equipped with SMLE rifles 1915-1916.
The rifle may have been floating around and was privately acquired; I would suggest it is most unlikely that it was formally issued to a Canadian during WW1.
