Thought I'd share this one while I had it outside the vault for inspection. This is as close to an unissued WW1 SMLE as I've ever owned (and I've owned a fair few).
While it's a typical RSAF Enfield SMLE MkIII* made in 1918, this one has never been through a refurb, no FR work, no parts changed - it's completely as manufactured, no import marks, and really only small handling marks on the rifle. I've never fired it (I have many others to fire) and the bore is like new. The muzzle and action interior are even still bright white (these were rust blued and when original finish, these parts remain in the white). All serial numbers match in identical font. It even retains WW1 "expediency" features that were usually replaced post-war, like a steel buttplate with gunmetal trapdoor and steel unit marking disk. It is even wearing and Enfield inspected SSA trigger guard pulled from the common parts pools in use in 1918.
I have rarer SMLEs, but none nicer than this one. It's actually pretty amazing the fit and finish the factories were turning out in 1918 at the height of war materials and labor shortages.
Would love to see any of the SMLE gems you all have - those that somehow missed all the refurb programs and are still "as they left the factory".
While it's a typical RSAF Enfield SMLE MkIII* made in 1918, this one has never been through a refurb, no FR work, no parts changed - it's completely as manufactured, no import marks, and really only small handling marks on the rifle. I've never fired it (I have many others to fire) and the bore is like new. The muzzle and action interior are even still bright white (these were rust blued and when original finish, these parts remain in the white). All serial numbers match in identical font. It even retains WW1 "expediency" features that were usually replaced post-war, like a steel buttplate with gunmetal trapdoor and steel unit marking disk. It is even wearing and Enfield inspected SSA trigger guard pulled from the common parts pools in use in 1918.
I have rarer SMLEs, but none nicer than this one. It's actually pretty amazing the fit and finish the factories were turning out in 1918 at the height of war materials and labor shortages.
Would love to see any of the SMLE gems you all have - those that somehow missed all the refurb programs and are still "as they left the factory".
Last edited:
