*British, WW1, Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry Lee-Enfield SHtLE Mk III* (SMLE), BSA, Dated 1916, Royal Navy Marked, Old Spec Deactivated, with WW2 Sling, Web Cover & Original Cleaning Pull-Through*
Serial number B37827
A highly attractive 1916-dated BSA Short Magazine Lee-Enfield, exhibiting clear Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry regimental identification, a recognised Royal Navy property marking, and accompanied by correct WWII-dated sling, web rifle cover, and cleaning pull-through, forming an exceptional dual-service British rifle that bridges First and Second World War use.
Manufactured by Birmingham Small Arms Company (BSA Co.) in 1916, this First World War–era SMLE retains its original wartime woodwork throughout, displaying a rich, untouched service patina. The rifle is particularly well marked across all major components, reflecting both its original manufacture and extended service life.
The right-hand side of the butt socket is crisply stamped Crown over GR / BSA Co / 1916 / Sht. L.E., confirming production during peak wartime output. Serial number B37827 is repeated to the barrel and associated components, while the bolt is numbered C24816, a correct and entirely typical wartime replacement consistent with rifles retained in long-term service.
Although designated Sht. L.E. III*, the asterisk on the butt socket has been deliberately struck through, and the rifle retains Mk III features, most notably the magazine cut-off. This combination indicates assembly during the 1916 transition period using existing Mk III components — a well-documented wartime expedient. Rifles of this type, which did not fully conform to the standardised Mk III* specification, are widely understood to have been more likely allocated to secondary users such as the Royal Navy, rather than front-line Army units, providing a likely explanation for this rifle’s subsequent naval marking.
Of particular interest is the capital “N” stamp to the left-hand safety / strap bracket, a recognised Royal Navy property marking, indicating issue or holding through naval stores. The brass butt disc is stamped “1 CLL 44”, identifying 1st Battalion, The Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry, weapon number 44. This confirms formal regimental Army service at an earlier stage and makes this an especially appealing Army-to-Navy crossover example with clearly identifiable unit history.
The rear sight is the correct Mk III pattern, graduated to 2,000 yards, with fine graduations clearly visible. The underside of the sight bed is stamped HV over SC, indicating that the sight was re-calibrated (“Sight Corrected”) for the High Velocity Mk VII .303 cartridge, introduced in 1910 and commonly applied to rifles retained in service beyond the early war period.
British ordnance inspection and proof marks are present throughout, including Crown over GR, crossed flags over P, broad arrow inspection marks, and BSA-associated acceptance stamps. The nose cap, barrel bands, and sight fittings all display correct period inspection marks consistent with original manufacture and later service inspection.
The rifle is accompanied by a correct khaki web sling, maker-marked M.E.Co (Mills Equipment Company) and dated 1940, together with a khaki web rifle cover and a cleaning pull-through, forming an attractive and complete display group.
This example has been deactivated to old UK specification, allowing the bolt to be cocked and the trigger to be pulled, and is offered strictly as a historical collectible.
Approx. Measurements: Barrel length: 62 cm. Overall length: 111 cm.
Historical Note:
The SMLE Mk III and Mk III* were the principal British service rifles of the First World War, famed for their strength, reliability, and rapid rate of fire. The Mk III* pattern was introduced in 1916 to speed wartime production, though rifles produced during this period often show a mixture of earlier and simplified features as factories used existing component stocks.
Rifles of this type frequently remained in service well beyond the First World War, seeing reissue during the inter-war years and into the Second World War with both Army and Royal Navy units. Naval-marked SMLEs are considerably less commonly encountered than standard Army rifles, reflecting the smaller scale of naval small-arms procurement.
The Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry served extensively throughout both world wars, with the 1st Battalion seeing sustained frontline service on the Western Front during the First World War, including major actions such as the Somme and Passchendaele. The regimental brass butt disc stamped “1 CLL 44” allows this rifle to be directly associated with the 1st Battalion, DCLI, and assigned a specific weapon number. Surviving regimental discs of this type are increasingly uncommon and provide a tangible link to an identifiable British infantry unit, adding meaningful service context and enhancing the rifle’s historical interest.
*Condition*
Overall excellent condition for age and service type. The metalwork retains a deep, even service patina with no heavy corrosion, and all markings remain clear and legible. The woodwork is original throughout, displaying attractive colour, grain, and honest handling marks consistent with service use, with no significant cracks or repairs noted. The rear sight and fittings show normal wear but remain well defined. The sling shows expected age wear but remains intact and clearly dated. Old-spec deactivation allows the action to be cocked and dry-fired as intended. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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