BSA Shirley No.4 Mk I Lee-Enfield .303 British, 1944 Production, FTR 1948 Fazakerley, 25.2 in Barrel, Made in England
This British No.4 Mk I was made in England in 1944 by Birmingham Small Arms Co. (BSA) at the Shirley plant (factory code M47C) and later received a Factory Thorough Repair at ROF Fazakerley in 1948, marked "F FTR 48." It retains its military configuration with correct "No4 Mk1" receiver marking, a standard 25.2 inch barrel, and a 10-round detachable magazine system. A matching-numbered No.4 pattern magazine and a khaki web sling with brass fittings are included.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some 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: This Lee-Enfield No.4 Mk I shows honest service wear consistent with its age. The metal surfaces display moderate finish wear and light handling marks, with some areas of thinning finish or light patina and no significant corrosion observed. All major markings remain visible and legible. The wood stock shows normal handling impressions and service wear, with no major structural cracks noted.
What’s Included
- 1x 10-round No.4 pattern steel detachable magazine (matching-numbered)
- Khaki web sling with brass fittings (installed)
Made in England by BSA at the Shirley factory, this rifle is identified by the "M47C" maker code on the butt-socket and the "No4 Mk1" receiver marking. The combination affirms WWII-era BSA-Shirley production with period-correct military configuration.
The receiver is additionally stamped "F FTR 48," indicating a 1948 Factory Thorough Repair at ROF Fazakerley. This postwar overhaul returned rifles to service-ready condition and is a desirable, verifiable attribute for a No.4 Mk I from this period.
Chambered in .303 British, it features the standard 25.2 inch barrel and a 10-round detachable magazine system (10+1 capacity). The action is the Lee-Enfield pattern: bolt-action, rear-locking, and cock-on-close, known for quick cycling in service use.
It retains correct military furniture and fittings: two-piece hardwood stock with a brass buttplate and trap for the oiler/pull-through, and an upper handguard with longitudinal grooves. Sighting is via a protected blade front and a receiver-mounted aperture ladder rear. A bayonet boss at the muzzle accepts No.4 pattern bayonets.
The rifle wears a parkerized/blued finish with visible, legible markings throughout. The barrel shank bears an import/caliber marking "U.K. .303 BRIT." A khaki web sling with brass fittings is installed, and the included No.4 pattern magazine is matching-numbered to the rifle.