1917 RSAF Enfield SMLE Mk III* .303 British Bolt-Action Rifle, WWI-Era, 25.2 Barrel, 10-Round
This Royal Small Arms Factory Short, Magazine Lee-Enfield Mk III* was produced in 1917 and retains hallmark WWI-era features and markings. The right butt-socket is marked "Crown G.R / ENFIELD / 1917 / Sht L.E. / Mk III*," and the rifle carries broad arrow and inspector acceptance stamps. Built on the SMLE platform with a 10-round detachable box magazine and a 25.2-inch barrel, it features the Mk III* configuration with charger loading and deleted volley sights and magazine cut-off. It was imported by Century International Arms and shows an F-prefix serial repeated on multiple components.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: There are significant markings from previous handling and use.
What’s Included
- Century International Arms owner's manual
- Steel Enfield/SMLE pattern detachable box magazine with British broad arrow acceptance marks
Correct Mk III* details are present, including a charger bridge for charger loading and the absence of volley sights and a magazine cut-off. The rear sight bed shows the HV/SC marking for Mk VII high-velocity ball, and the tangent ladder rear sight is the version without a windage knob. The front sight is a protected blade.
Construction is classic SMLE: a blued steel receiver and barrel fitted to full-length hardwood furniture with separate front and rear handguards. The stock includes a brass buttplate with trapdoor, a buttstock unit disk, and sling swivels. The nosecap has protective ears and a boss for the Pattern 1907 bayonet.
The rifle uses the Lee bolt action with cock-on-closing operation, chambered in .303 British with a 10-round capacity. It remains a full-size service configuration with a 13.0 length of pull and traditional SMLE handling characteristics.
Markings are extensive and appropriate for the period and model: broad arrow and inspector marks, ".303B U. KING." caliber designation, and an import mark "C.A.I. ST ALB. VT." The right butt-socket legend confirms its 1917 RSAF Enfield origin and Mk III* designation, and the F-prefix serial is repeated on multiple components.