*Indian, 1949, .303 S.M.L.E. No.1 Mk III* Bolt Action Rifle by Ishapore Arsenal — Old-Spec Deactivated*
An evocative Ishapore S.M.L.E. No.1 Mk III* in .303 British, serial no. 63507K —a desirable old-spec example that cocks and dry-fires. Socket-marked G.R.I. 1949, with the scarce TDE(W) butt-roundel and crisp Ishapore TD inspection codes, this rifle has the right look: brass butt-trap, correct nose-cap with bayonet bar, and a sight leaf numbered to the rifle. A straight, honest India-service SMLE with great character and paperwork—display-ready and highly collectible. Overall length 113 cm (approx.) Barrel length 25 in.
Markings:
-Right socket/strap: Crown over G.R.I. / 1949 / No.1 Mk.3*
-Receiver/barrel reinforce (RHS), Serial no: 63507K
-Receiver band (obverse): Crown over GRI over crossed flags (Indian proof)
-Barrel top (under handguard): * / W / *
-Bolt handle (rear): 23575 with broad arrow
-Bolt slide: TD / 55 / E
-Butt roundel: TDEW around a broad arrow (D at 12 o’clock)
-Rear sight base (LHS): **TD / 78 / C** (confirmed TD)
-Rear sight leaf underside: 63507K; sight bed/hinge: IS / 28
-Nose-cap & piling-swivel boss: 21932K
-Trigger-guard bow: crown / 8 / b
-Magazine (side): X94935 and 23564K with TD / 58 / B
-Misc. stars, arrows and inspection marks typical of Ishapore
Historical note
Adopted by the British Army in 1904, the SMLE No.1 Mk III was quickly taken up by the Indian Army. To meet local demand, the Rifle Factory, Ishapore—north of Calcutta—began licensed manufacture in 1909 on British machinery to RSAF specs. Production surged during WWII; Ishapore is credited with around 600,000 No.1 rifles during the war. The simplified Mk III* (retitled Rifle No.1 Mk III* in 1926) served widely in North Africa, Italy, the Pacific and Burma, and remained the standard rifle for both Australia and India throughout the conflict. This example, dated 1949, reflects immediate post-war Indian service and arsenal practice.
TDEW roundel
The circular butt-stock stamp with a broad arrow surrounded by “T D E W” is the Technical Development Establishment Weapons mark—an Indian ordnance/inspection authority of the late-1940s/1950s. On SMLEs it denotes Indian acceptance. These rifles commonly show mixed numbers and plentiful sub-inspection stamps (e.g., TD 55 E, TD 78 C, etc.), consistent with Indian arsenal procedures.
*Condition*
Good, honest service condition. Bluing thinned on high spots with scattered oxidation to bands and sight hardware; action exterior shows handling wear. Woodwork sound with typical knocks and bruises from service; TDEW roundel visible on the butt with Indian inspection stamps. Magazine present; sights intact; brass butt-plate with functional trap. Cocks and dry-fires correctly (old-spec deact). Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
Deactivation & Documents:
-Old-spec B.P.H. certificate dated 27 Nov 1986, cert no. B 6443.
-Type: S.M.L.E. No.1 Mk.III*, calibre .303, maker “Indian”.
-Notes on cert: “De-activated – chamber, bolt and barrel cut away.”
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