British, WW1, Enfield 1916 SHTLE III (SMLE), with Sling, Breech cover and Soft Rifle Case, Old Spec Deactivated

*British, WW1, Enfield 1916 SHTLE III (SMLE), with Sling, Breech cover and Soft Rifle Case, Old Spec Deactivated*

Serial Number X 9424
24/25″ barrel. .303 Cal.

Marked on sight: X 9424 (P 9438 crossed out)
Marked on trigger band: Crown over G.R., Enfield 1916, SHTLE III*
Marked on trigger guard: War arrow
Marked on nose: 12008
Marked on cocking piece: N.67 MK II
Marked on bolt: E 5123, War Arrow Crown over R over 55 (indistinct)
Marked on barrel: on right X9424 and on left War Arrow over EFD (Enfield mark), Crown over G.R. over crossed flags over P (proof mark), Crown over F2 over E
Marked on Magazine: with war arrows, Z EFD (Enfield)

Sling marked: 1971
Breech cover has faint marks for 1944

The insignia featuring a Crown Cypher over “GR” and “Enfield 1916 ShtLE Mk III*” denotes its production at the Royal Small Arms Factory Enfield, with “ShtLE” standing for Short Lee-Enfield. It omitted the magazine cut off, volley sights, and windage adjustment on the rear sight. Noteworthy is the unchanged protective ear, positioned to the right to accommodate the absent windage screw.

According to "The British Enfield Rifle - Volume 2" by Charles Stratton, the "N67" marking on the cocking piece indicates that the part (but not the rest of the rifle) was made by the Singer Mfg. Co. Ltd. in Clydebank, Scotland. The "MkII" marking indicates that it's the second version of this part- slab-sided with vertical grasping grooves instead of a round knob.

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*
Deactivated to Old Spec, with a fully moving bolt and trigger, this rifle is an iconic 20th-century collectible. It comes complete with a Breech Cover which is a very rare find, as well as sling and rifle case. It is in excellent condition with a great patina and the marks and dings commensurate with age and service. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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