*British, WW2- 1943, Lee-Enfield No.4 Mk I Rifle, ROF Maltby, Regulated by Fulton — Old-Spec Deactivated, Matching Bolt & Mag, Sling & WD Oiler*
A cracking, shooter-grade looker with hugely collectible credentials: a wartime ROF Maltby No.4 Mk I, dated 1943, serial BF18986, that later received the desirable “REGULATED BY FULTON” accuracy tune at Bisley. It retains the milled Mk I micrometer rear sight, a matching-number bolt and magazine, the web sling, and the butt-trap brass oiler with dipper (WD marked). Old-spec UK deactivation (London Proof House DA 44156, 9 Sept 2009) — bolt cycles, action cocks and dry-fires; magazine removable. A fine, honest example with exactly the right mix of wartime service and post-war target pedigree.
Historical note:
The No.4 Mk I became Britain’s principal service rifle of WWII, built at ROF Fazakerley, Enfield and Maltby. This one shows a later FTR (Factory Thorough Repair) for continued post-war service, and the Fulton regulation adds sought-after Bisley provenance for collectors.
Markings:
-Left receiver wall: “No.4 Mk I”.
-Butt socket/strap: “M 1943” (ROF Maltby), serial BF 18986, FTR.
-Receiver body (left): small circled “45” and “6” inspection numbers (Maltby inspectors).
-Barrel knox form: “REGULATED BY FULTON” over crown/BNP, opposed broad arrows (sold-out-of-service)..
-Muzzle/forward barrel: crown over BNP Birmingham nitro proof with calibre/pressure legend “.303 / SMOOTH / 18.5 TONS PER [square-inch symbol]”.
-Foresight/muzzle: blade “.045” height; sight block/protector “HL” inspector code.
-Rear sight: Mk I pattern leaf; base with broad arrow/“MK” inspector marks.
-Bolt handle root: serial BF18986 with broad arrow — matching bolt.
-Bolt head: size stamp visible (“0”).
-Safety catch plate: stamped “B” (BSA-made component, typical FTR mix).
-Forward band/strap: “B” inspector.
-Magazine: serial BF18986 (matching), boxed “S” (Savage/US part), C-broad arrow (Canadian acceptance), circled “B” inspector.
-Butt-trap oiler base: WD broad arrow.
Measurements: Overall length: 112.8 cm, Barrel length: 65 cm
*Condition*
Good, service-used condition with attractive, even patina. Woodwork shows scattered knocks, rubs and small dings from honest use; no structural issues seen. Metal finish presents as original blue/black with expected high-point wear; proofs and the Fulton legend remain clear. The Mk I micrometer sight adjusts smoothly. Action cycles correctly on deact and cocks/dry-fires as intended. Web sling intact; matching-number magazine present. Oiler and dipper present in butt-trap. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
Deactivation
London Proof House certificate DA 44156 (09/09/2009). Old-spec: bolt cycles; action cocks and dry-fires; magazine removable. Observe current UK ownership/display rules.
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