A well-marked and highly characterful pre-First World War Enfield-made Short Magazine Lee-Enfield Mk III service rifle, retaining its early features including magazine cut-off and volley sight system, later officially downgraded to Drill Purpose and marked to an Officers’ Training Corps unit, complete with sling and modern deactivation certificate.
The rifle is clearly stamped to the wrist Crown / G.R. / ENFIELD / 1913 / SHT L.E. / III, confirming manufacture in 1913 during the reign of King George V at the Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield, the British government’s principal small-arms factory. The serial number E5438 is present, with matching number also seen to the bolt handle, and further inspection, proof and assembly marks visible throughout the action, barrel, rear sight and fittings.
This example retains several desirable early Mk III features, including the magazine cut-off on the right side of the receiver and the original volley sight system, consisting of the dial plate set into the left side of the fore-end together with the folding long-range sight arm. These long-range sights were fitted to early SMLE rifles prior to wartime simplification and are often missing on later rifles, making their presence here a particularly good survival feature.
The rear sight ladder is marked H.V., indicating recalibration for use with the .303 Mk VII high-velocity service cartridge adopted shortly before the First World War. Additional Enfield inspection and acceptance marks are present across the metalwork, together with sold-out-of-service opposed broad arrow stamps.
The rifle is extensively marked D.P. (Drill Purpose) to both wood and metal, showing official withdrawal from firing service and later use for training or instructional purposes. The brass butt disc is engraved AS OTC 323, almost certainly a rack or issue marking to an Officers’ Training Corps unit, entirely consistent with later drill or cadet use after the rifle left active service. Further service and inspection stamps are present to the stock, nose cap and sight components.
The rifle retains its removable magazine and is fitted with sling. The woodwork shows heavy service wear, bruising and handling marks consistent with long military and training use, while the metalwork shows an even dark patina with scattered wear and marking throughout, giving the rifle an honest and well-used appearance typical of SMLE rifles that remained in service for many years.
Approx. Measurements – Barrel length: 63 cm. Overall length: 112.5 cm.
Historical Note:
The Short Magazine Lee-Enfield Mk III was the standard British service rifle of the early twentieth century and the principal infantry rifle of the British Army during the First World War. Adopted before the war, the SMLE combined a smooth, fast bolt action with a ten-round magazine, allowing trained soldiers to deliver rapid and accurate fire. Rifles made at Enfield in 1913 represent pre-war production before the enormous expansion of wartime manufacture, and examples retaining early features such as the magazine cut-off and volley sight system are increasingly sought after. Many rifles that became worn or obsolete in front-line service were later marked Drill Purpose and issued to cadet units, training schools or Officers’ Training Corps establishments, allowing them to remain in official use for many years after the war.
*Condition*
A well-used but very characterful example with clear markings and good display presence. Metalwork shows age, wear and patina consistent with long military service and later drill use. Woodwork shows dents, abrasions, old handling marks and areas of darkened service finish. Markings to the wrist, sight and DP stamps remain legible. Volley sight components present. Magazine removable. Sling fitted. Deactivated to current specification and accompanied by Birmingham Gun Barrel Proof House certificate dated 11/02/2026. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
