*British, WW1, BSA Co. SHT.L.E III* Enfield .303 Bolt Action Rifle, Dated 1918, Matching serial numbers, Old Spec Deactivated*
Deactivated to old spec and well marked this rifle is an iconic 20th-century collectible.
Serial no – I68506 Marked on Barrel, Bolt, Sight and front bayonet mounting stud under the muzzle.
Marked on Trigger Band – Crown G.R. B.S.A. Co , 1918 SHT.L.E III*
Numerous proof marks and war arrows.
Approx Measurements: 111.5cm overall
The insignia displaying a Crown Cypher over “GR” and “B.S.A. Co. 1918 ShtLE Mk III*” signifies Short Magazine Lee Enfield and indicates its manufacture by Birmingham Small Arms Co. Ltd., issued to the British Military in 1918. 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. An evident letter “P” beneath the stock suggests potential treatment with Paraffin to safeguard against moisture in humid environments. Additionally, it includes a solid brass butt-plate with a cleaning equipment trap, 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, although it lacks any identifying information. 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, introduced as a streamlined version for wartime use, saw extensive service in both World Wars and beyond.
*Condition*
This rifle is in excellent condition and a rare find with its’ matching numbers. The metal parts have an light, even patina and the trigger is not held with any tension. Please see pictures for more detail as they form part of our condition report. Deactivated to old spec.
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