1918 BSA SMLE Mk III* .303 British Bolt-Action Rifle, England — WWI-Era with Excellent Bore
This 1918 Short, Magazine Lee–Enfield (SMLE) Mk III* by Birmingham Small Arms Co. is a WWI-era, English-made rifle with clear butt-socket markings and multiple British proofs. It features the correct SMLE pattern details, an excellent bore, and import stamps noting CAI ST ALB VT and MFG .303 U.K. Receiver and nosecap numbers match, with a mismatched trigger guard.
Condition
Overall Condition: Very good condition, showing only light, superficial signs of prior handling or use.
Bore Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: The exterior shows a few minor, superficial scratches and blemishes from prior handling.
What’s Included
- BSA SMLE Mk III* rifle in .303 British
- 1x 10-round SMLE-pattern detachable steel box magazine (maker marks not visible)
Butt-socket markings read crown over GR with B.S.A. Co / 1918 / SHT LE / III*, confirming Birmingham Small Arms manufacture during WWI. The rifle is made in England and bears multiple British proof and inspection stamps. Import markings include CAI ST ALB VT and MFG .303 U.K.
This Mk III* retains the correct SMLE mechanical configuration, including a rear-locking Lee bolt with a turned-down handle, the cock-on-closing action, and a charger bridge for rapid loading. It feeds from a 10-round detachable magazine and has a flag safety.
The rifle has a 25.2-inch barrel and a full-length hardwood stock with two-piece handguards. It is fitted with a brass buttplate and sling swivels. The SMLE nosecap with protective ears and bayonet lug is present, along with a protected front blade and a tangent rear sight. The metal shows a blued/blackened finish.
Numbering details include matching receiver and nosecap numbers with a mismatched trigger guard. The bore condition is excellent, offering a clean, mirror finish with sharp rifling—an uncommon strength for a service rifle of this era.