Ishapore SMLE No.1 Mk III* .303 British Bolt-Action Rifle, 1944 WWII Production, Matching Receiver/Bolt
This 1944 Rifle Factory, Ishapore SMLE No.1 Mk III* is a WWII-era .303 British service rifle with the classic cock-on-close Lee action and charger loading. It features matching serials on the receiver and bolt, a 25.2 in barrel, and correct wartime fittings including the SMLE nose-cap with P1907 bayonet boss. Butt-socket/wrist markings read "G.R.I 1944 No1 Mk III*", and it bears a U.S. import mark from TG Knox TN.
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: There is widespread pitting and rust formation. Cosmoline buildup is present throughout. Finish wear is visible. Blemishes can be seen in the bore. The action cycles smoothly, and the firing pin drops with force.
What’s Included
- 1x 10-round SMLE No.1 pattern detachable steel box magazine (installed)
Built at Rifle Factory, Ishapore and dated 1944, this No.1 Mk III* retains the hallmark traits of the SMLE platform: a cock-on-close Lee action, charger loading via the integral charger bridge, and a 10+1 capacity in .303 British. The butt-socket/wrist is marked "G.R.I 1944 No1 Mk III*", and a broad arrow is present on the nose-cap.
Configuration is correct to the pattern, with a 25.2 in barrel and approximately 44.5 in overall length. The rifle carries its SMLE nose-cap and the P1907 bayonet boss. An Ishapore fore-end reinforcement screw is installed, and the stock set includes upper handguards, sling swivels, and a brass buttplate with trap. The hardwood furniture shows an oil-finished appearance.
Sighting equipment consists of a ladder/leaf rear sight with sliding elevation; the front blade is missing, though the front-sight protector and base are present. The steel receiver and barrel anchor the action, and the rifle uses a lever safety. The charger bridge is present, enabling charger loading as intended.
Markings include the U.S. import stamp "TG KNOX TN .303 BRIT." Matching serials were observed on the receiver and bolt, aligning with the rifle’s service configuration. This example represents WWII Indian production of the SMLE No.1 Mk III*.