*British, 1939, Short Lee Enfield MK III (SHT.LE) Bolt Action Rifle, .303 cal – by B.S.A, Deactivated to Old Spec*
Serial Number: 80357, .303 Cal
Measures: 112.5cm overall
Marked on wristguard: “Crown over G.R. B.S.A.Co, 1939, SHT.LE, III” and on the obverse “FTR” (Factory Through Repair)
Marked on RHS Barrel: “L 80357″Marked on the top of the Barrel: “BSA”
Marked on LHS of Barrel other side “Crown over BM” – “Crown over E over 7X”
Bolt Handle Marked: “6052”
Sight Marked: “L 80357”
Marked under Sight: “HV” – for High Velocity – sighted for MK 1V ammunition
Marked underneath forward nozzle band : “SAF” (SAF Lithgow, in Australia, produced shotguns based on the MkIII action under the “Slazenger” name)
Marked under the Barrel is : “ED”
Marked under the stockd: “B32” War arrow in a circle
Magazine marked “ED over 23”, “4”
The insignia featuring a Crown Cypher over “GR” and “B.S.A.Co, 1939, SHT LE Mk III” denotes its production at the Birmingham Small Arms Company with “SHT LE” standing for Short Lee-Enfield. It 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.
This rifle has clearly seen some history and at some point has been reassembled using parts from other rifles – as was common for rifles repaired during war and indicated by the FTR Factory Through Repair on the LHS of the wrist. This rifle displays BSA marks, Enfield and BSA proof marks and SAF Lithgow marks. It is marked with a Crown over BM indicating that it was made to made to military specs but for civilian use- however it displays numerous war arrows present on the rifle. It looks like it has a replacement stock and top barrel but this adds to the history of the piece – someone cared enough and was skilled enough to effect them.
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, introduced as a streamlined version for wartime use, saw extensive service in both World Wars and beyond. Deactivated, this rifle is an iconic 20th-century collectible.
*Condition*
This is good used condition. As an FTR piece it has some non original fittings but that only adds to its history – if Rifles could Talk! It is deactivated to old spec and the bolt moves freely and the trigger can be cocked and fired. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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