Long Lee Enfield Value

MikeD81

MikeD81

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I have the opportunity to buy an exceptionally clean and complete Long Lee Enfield but I have absolutely no idea what is an acceptable price window when it comes to value. It is numbers matching, 1896 manufacture with a very clear C broad arrow stamped on the butt stock. The bluing seems to be 90% with the only noteworthy wear being on the barrel bands. Although there are some dents in the stock there is no significant issues and as far as I can tell its an original matched set with original finish. Barrel has very minor pitting but the rifling is still quite strong.

I am so out of my element I don't even know what an acceptable window would be.

thoughts?

Mike.
 
I would not expect to find a C broadarrow stamp on an 1896 Long Lee. I am quite certain that stamp did not exist before 1905. The Canadian ownership mark in 1896 should be M&D (Militia & Defense).
 
Some got factory refurbished at later points in their lives, and may have stamps dating to that activity.
 
With the information provided... $1000-2500.

A lot of variables when it comes to these. It is a bit of a minefield.

Is it untouched time capsule, or is a cleaned and complete example, or is it a restoration?




B-noser. Rifles and guns were left behind by the Brits when they pulled their garrisons in 1905.
That might explain the lack of M&D and the addition of the C/l\
 
I saw one (MLE) yesterday that appeared to be in extraordinary condition- as in fresh from the factory. However, upon closer exam, there was a very large (and well done) patch in the forend and the "matching" bolt was clearly renumbered. With nothing on it that would indicate arsenal refurbishment how do you value such a piece? Mike- it would take a bunch of very clear detail photos to assess the rifle you're talking about.

milsurpo
 
milsurpo said:
I saw one (MLE) yesterday that appeared to be in extraordinary condition- as in fresh from the factory. However, upon closer exam, there was a very large (and well done) patch in the forend and the "matching" bolt was clearly renumbered. With nothing on it that would indicate arsenal refurbishment how do you value such a piece? Mike- it would take a bunch of very clear detail photos to assess the rifle you're talking about.

milsurpo
Click to expand...

Lee enfield bolts were renumbered all the time in service. If it's a period correct font, it's likely not faked. Very few serif number stamps in the british armorer style are out there today. Similarly, stock repairs can also be military. Especially on ww1 and earlier era guns when woodworking was a point of pride in the field repair shops.

Pics would be needed.
 
i fondled a pristine long lee a few years ago at milarm that was reported to be taken out of cosmoline. the gun was perfect, all matching, and on consignment from a person in calgary. asking price was 5,000$. of course, any item is worth only what they buyers is willing to pay.

yes, pics would really help...
 
gregc said:
i fondled a pristine long lee a few years ago at milarm that was reported to be taken out of cosmoline. the gun was perfect, all matching, and on consignment from a person in calgary. asking price was 5,000$. of course, any item is worth only what they buyers is willing to pay.

yes, pics would really help...
Click to expand...

That might be around 2012, 2 collectors consigned a large amount to them.
 
Claven2 said:
Lee enfield bolts were renumbered all the time in service. If it's a period correct font, it's likely not faked. Very few serif number stamps in the british armorer style are out there today. Similarly, stock repairs can also be military. Especially on ww1 and earlier era guns when woodworking was a point of pride in the field repair shops.

Pics would be needed.
Click to expand...

Claven: The font was sans-serif and I would think not necessarily done in service. The wood repair was huge- biggest I've personally seen on a Lee Enfield. Again, the gun looked incredible and had a huge price tag on it. My point is simply beware an MLE that looks like it's unissued. Further on pricing, in the last 4 years I've bought 3 MLE's for $900 to $1200. My best one is a 1901 and is all original matching in very good condition with a Manitoba Unit stamped butt tang. Paid $1000 for that one at the Spring show.

milsurpo
 
It would depend on what Milarm was charging for commission. I know that I paid dearly for a Snider, a Carcano, and a Long Lee. A friend wound up with a Boys and a Johnson.
I had already spent my wad when I spotted a DA Ross from the HMS Canada, thankfully my wife went in and bought it for me for Christmas.
This was at least 5 years before they shut the doors so I think they got their money.
 
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