*British, WW1, .303″ Birmingham Small Arms ShtLE Mark III* Bolt Action Rifle (SMLE), Dated 1918, Old Spec Deactivated*
Serial Number: Y9015 (or Y9U15)
Calibre: .303
Barrel Length: 25″
Marked on Trigger Band: Crown over G.R. B.S.A. Co. 1918, Sht.LE III **
The insignia featuring a Crown Cypher over “GR” and “B.S.A.C.co 1918 ShtLE Mk III*” denotes its production at the Birmingham Small Arms, with “ShtLE” standing for Short Lee-Enfield. During World War I (1914-1918), BSA produced a total of 1,581,854 SMLE rifles; with 345,732 manufactured in 1918. This rifle is chambered in .303 British, equipped with a detachable ten-shot box magazine, and features an Enfield bolt mechanism. It has a solid brass butt-plate with a cleaning equipment trap (empty), with the safety catch positioned on the rear left-hand side of the action, marked “III.” A brass ID disc is embedded into the right-hand side of the butt, with the numbers 1793 etched around it. The rifle is equipped with twin sling swivels and a stacking hook.
The Lee–Enfield, also known as the Enfield, is a bolt-action, magazine-fed rifle that was the primary firearm of the British Empire from 1895 to 1957. The Mk. III* variant, omitted the magazine cut off, volley sights, and windage adjustment on the rear sight. Noteworthy is the unchanged protective ear, positioned to the right to accommodate the absent windage screw. It was introduced as a streamlined version for wartime use, saw extensive service in both World Wars and beyond.
Markings and proof marks:
Marked on nose cap: 78514
Marked on barrel: RHS – Y9015, LHS – Crown over G.R. over obscured crossed flags, over P (proof mark), Crown over 21, over B,
Marked on cocking piece: K 67187
Marked on safety catch: III, War Arrow
Marked on sight: War Arrow, increments 2-20, V, V, K 67187, War Arrow, Crown over 12 over B
Marked under sight on Barrel: HV (High Velocity), SC (SC on the barrel behind the rear sight means the Small Cone in the chamber has been increased .002-inch)
Marked on barrel band: War arrow, over F.R (Factory refurbished)
Marked on trigger guard: War Arrow, over Crown, over 80, over B
Marked on wood by trigger guard: BH, R
Marked on magazine: 4
Marked on stock above brass plug: 1793
Marked on brass butt: War Arrow
*Condition*
Deactivated to Old Spec, with a fully moving bolt and trigger, this rifle is an iconic 20th-century collectible. It is in good condition with a great patina and the marks and dings commensurate with age and service. It has a repair on the stock and top of barrel. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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