*British, BSA Lee Metford Bolt Action Rifle, refined & retailed by Alex Martin Glasgow, Matching numbers, Deactivated*
Serial Number AO466-22820
30/31″ Barrel
.303 Cal
Marked on Bolt Dust Cover: An engraved scroll accompanied by thistles *Alex Martin, Glasgow & Aberdeen*,
Outer face of the bolt-head lug: “Patent 19.145/90”,
Marked on the Bolt “22820”,
Marked on the top of the barrel “3365”,
Marked on the right of the barrel: “Crown I over B, A0466-22820”,
Marked on the left of the barrel: “For Cordite Only”,
Marked above the 1st barrel markings: A Thistle Logo, On the right: “Crown over I over B, V in a circle, on the left: “XX E in a circle”,
Marked on the trigger band: “B.S.A. Co”,
Sight marked: “B.S.A. – 04 66”,
Marked on the top of the barrel after the Sight “Alex Martin, Glasgow”,
Marked on the magazine Crown over X over 37 over War Arrow over Crown over X over 18.
The Birmingham Small Arms Company (B.S.A.), a major producer of Lee-actioned rifles in Britain, made rifles for both military contracts and commercial sales. Established in 1873 and dissolved in 1916 during the Great War, B.S.A. advertised their rifles through catalogs but didn’t sell them directly to customers, leaving that to established gunsmiths and department stores like Alex Martin of Glasgow.
This rifle features the pre-charger-loading Long-Lee bolt dust-cover and a forward curved handle for easy access in and out of a leather saddle holster. Carrying a five-round magazine, these carbines had a smaller protrusion under the stock compared to the ten-round standard magazine of the longer rifle. The bolt-head lug bore the stamp PATENT 19.145 ’90, indicating the 1890 patent for the bolt and head. Early versions of the Lee-Metford and Lee-Enfield bolt-action rifles sold commercially had to acknowledge the patent holders for the designs used. Marked “cordite only,” this rifle was likely produced during the transition from Black Powder to Cordite ammunition. The presence of double serial numbers suggests it may have been intended for service rifle competitions.
Alex Martin was a renowned gun maker based in Paisley since 1837 and likely refined the rifle. Acquired by John Dickson & Son in 1960, the distinguished firm specialized in ribless shotguns and the regulation of Lee-Metford, Lee Enfields, and other rifles.
*Condition*
This rifle is in excellent condition. it has been fully deactivated and the trigger doesn’t move but the bolt slides fully back. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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