*British, 1960, BSA (UB) L1A1 SLR (Self-Loading Rifle) with Canvas Sling, Enfield Proofs, Broad Arrows, Deactivated*
Serial Number A85574
Barrel Length: 620mm, overall length 114cm
Calibre 7.62mm
A British L1A1 Self-Loading Rifle chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO, serial number A85574 to upper receiver and bolt carrier. Manufactured in 1960 under the “UB60” code by BSA. This example retains extensive original Broad Arrows and Enfield inspection markings, including the E within D acceptance stamps across the lower receiver, selector, bolt carrier, rear sight base, and numerous small components — a strong indicator of factory original assembly.
The rifle is fitted with its correct black pebble-grain furniture, standard British L1A1 folding leaf sight marked YDS, graduated in yards (as opposed to metres, which came later with metric-pattern rifles) and numbered elevation drum, correct flash hider with bayonet lug, and 20-round magazine (marked with Enfield broad arrow and part number 960-0017). A British military green web sling is attached.
British L1A1 rifles employed a U-prefix serial number system to identify the manufacturer and year of production: UB – Birmingham Small Arms Company (BSA). UE – Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield. UF – Royal Ordnance Factory, Fazakerley. Accordingly, a marking such as “UB60” denotes a rifle manufactured by BSA in 1960. This system is well documented and consistent with museum-held and service-recorded examples. Individual components may additionally carry abbreviated manufacturer or inspection marks, such as a single “B” (BSA) or the compressed “ED” associated with Enfield. As is typical of British Army service rifles, this example shows evidence of inspection and refurbishment during its service life.
Deactivated to current EU/UK 2018 specification by MJL Militaria, Birmingham Proof House certificate number 187133 dated 27 February 2025. Bolt and trigger are fully mobile under spring pressure.
Historical Note:
The L1A1 Self-Loading Rifle was the British inch-pattern variant of the FN FAL, adopted in 1957 as the standard service rifle for UK and Commonwealth forces. Produced at Enfield and BSA, the rifle remained in frontline service until the introduction of the SA80 in the 1980s. Enfield’s inspection marks (E in D) confirm manufacture and assembly at the Royal Small Arms Factory, with these rifles being issued to British Army units worldwide.
Issued from 1960 onward, this BSA produced L1A1 could have served in numerous British Cold War deployments. Rifles from this period saw use during the Malayan Emergency (1957–1960), Confrontation in Borneo (1962–1966), Aden Emergency (1963–1967), extensive deployment in Northern Ireland (1969–1990s), and later in the Falklands War (1982).
*Condition*
The rifle presents in very good condition, retaining a high proportion of its original finish with operational wear visible on the selector, magazine well, and rear sight from service use. Enfield inspection marks are clear and well-struck across all major components. Furniture remains in solid condition with expected handling wear, no cracks, and correct pebble-grain texture. The magazine is in good order and removable, with clear markings and only light service wear. All parts are tight, with no evidence of post-service refurbishment beyond deactivation work. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
JAQAOAD_2709300425
