RSAF Enfield SMLE Mk III* .303 British Bolt-Action Rifle (1913) - Pre-WWI, Converted Mk III to Mk III*, Charger-Bridge Receiver, 25.2 in Barrel
Built at the Royal Small Arms Factory in 1913, this Short Magazine Lee-Enfield Mk III* shows a period-correct conversion from Mk III to Mk III* with the expected overstamp. It retains the standard SMLE charger-bridge receiver, a nose-cap with bayonet boss for the Pattern 1907 bayonet, and a buttstock unit marking disc. British crown over G R markings are present. No bolt or magazine are included. A khaki web sling with brass hardware is installed.
Condition
Overall Condition: Poor condition.
Bore Overall Condition: Fair - Generally clean, some residue or smudges, slight corrosion.
Bore Rifling: Fair Rifling - Worn rifling, slight loss of definition.
Specific Condition Details: This rifle has many instances of rust and pitting. The wood stock and handguards have scratches and blemishes, as well as some small cracks. The stock has a large gash on the left hand side. The bore is shiny with defined rifling that still has life left in it. No bolt or magazine are present, and overall function could not be determined.
What's Included
- Khaki web rifle sling with brass hardware (installed)
Made in the United Kingdom before World War I, this RSAF Enfield SMLE reflects 1913 production with British crown over G R proofs. The receiver is marked Sht. L.E. III and overstamped III*, indicating conversion to the Mk III* standard consistent with the era.
It features the standard SMLE charger-bridge receiver and a blued steel finish. The oil-finished hardwood furniture includes a full-length stock, two upper handguards, and a buttstock unit marking disc. Length of pull measures 13.5 inches, and the barrel length is 25.2 inches.
The sighting system is correct for the type, with a protected blade (barleycorn) front sight and a tangent/ladder rear sight with protector wings. A receiver-mounted safety lever is present. As expected for the pattern, the rifle does not have volley sights.
The SMLE nose-cap includes the bayonet boss for the Pattern 1907 bayonet. The nose-cap shows a non-matching number relative to the receiver. No bolt or magazine are present.