1918 British Ordnance SMLE No.1 Mk III* .303 British Bolt-Action Rifle, WWI-Dated, 25.2 in Barrel, 10-Round
This 1918-dated SMLE No.1 Mk III* stands out with its wartime butt-socket legend and correct Mk VII HV sighting, retaining hallmark SMLE features collectors look for. It uses the cock-on-closing Lee action, feeds from a detachable 10-round magazine via charger loading, and carries British government acceptance and inspection markings consistent with World War I service.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: The stock is wobbly and has a missing chunk of wood. The rifle shows wear and handling with scratches and blemishes. There is surface rust and finish loss.
What's Included
- British Ordnance SMLE No.1 Mk III* rifle
- SMLE No.1 Mk III pattern steel detachable box magazine
Made by British Ordnance in 1918, this SMLE No.1 Mk III* is chambered in .303 British and uses the classic cock-on-closing Lee action. It features a charger bridge for stripper-clip loading and a detachable, double-column 10-round magazine. The barrel measures 25.2 inches, and the rifle is sighted for Mk VII high-velocity ball, indicated by the "HV" sighting stamp.
The sighting arrangement is correct for the pattern, with a rear ladder sight without windage drum and a protected front blade set in the nose cap. The nose cap includes protective sight ears and a bayonet bar. Additional service features include the piling/stacking swivel and retained front volley sight furniture on the fore-end.
The rifle is stocked in hardwood with two upper handguards and a full-length fore-end. It has a brass buttplate with trap and a unit disc. Length of pull is 12.0 inches, and controls include the standard safety lever. Receiver construction is steel.
Markings are consistent with British WWI service rifles: the butt-socket legend reads "crown over G.R. / 1918 / SHT LE III*". Government acceptance and inspection marks are present, including the broad arrow, crown inspection marks on the barrel/receiver knox, and a small arrow inspection stamp on the wood. Country of origin is the United Kingdom, and the era is World War I.