Need old enfield help please

[joe n]

Definitely not my thing, but with these crappy pics can anyone tell me what a fair value would be on this rifle? I know I am asking alot, but just not sure how collectable these are. I imagine there is a market for these somewhere. Thanks for looking

 

[buffdog]

Lee Enfield

While a good 1896 Lee Enfield Mark I would go for $750 or more, the fact that condition is everything. Unfortunately, someone has left your poor old girl out in the elements, and treated her very badly. Bore condition is also a major factor, and you have not mentioned this.

The good news is that it seems fairly complete, with the wood, volley sights, and such intact. The clearing rod has been damaged. (Yes, I said CLEARING ROD, not Cleaning Rod.) The metal is pitted.

A reasonable price should be in the $300-$350 range for a rifle in this condition.

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[joe n]

Thank you Sir, I appreciate this

 

[smellie]

Seems that 1896 was a Very Good Year as far as LE production was concerned.

Yours is a BSA rfle which was made for the British Military.

It has Enfield rifling (5 lands and grooves, equal width and quite deep) and so there is a fairly good possibility that you might have a shooter. Have the bore checked carefully; you just might get a real surprise.

For my money, this was the best-LOOKING rifle built anywhere, any time. The only thing that can come close to it for proportion and function would be a Mark III Snider Sergeant's Rifle. Beautiful, both of them.

Clean her up carefully, take her to the range and have fun. Money isn't everything (and my collection is the absolute proof of that!).
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[joe n]

Smellie, thank you very much, I always enjoy your informative posts. Yes, I too agree value is not everything. To explain further, this rifle belongs to a friend of mine who has been asked to sell it, hence the question on fair value.
Pics don't do her justice, but she looks like a good reliable shooter for sure. Thanks for the assistance, I am always grateful for your expertise.

 

[damuralt]

Don't worry about the value and don't give up the ship: with a little love that rifle has easily another hundred years in her.

Cheers!

Dave