1916 RSAF Enfield SMLE Mk III .303 British Bolt-Action Rifle, WWI-Dated, 25.2 in Barrel, 10-Round
This 1916-dated Short Magazine Lee-Enfield Mk III was produced at the Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield, and retains its butt-socket marking "ENFIELD 1916 SHT L.E III" with crown. It features the SMLE charger bridge for stripper-clip loading, the distinctive nosecap with bayonet boss, and WWI-era cock-on-closing action. Importer text references a No.4 Mk I, but the markings and configuration confirm SMLE Mk III lineage. Painted rack number "46" on the right butt and observed matching serial on barrel/receiver areas (numbers not disclosed) add notable details for collectors.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Fair - Generally clean, some residue or smudges, slight corrosion.
Rifling: Poor Rifling - Rifling heavily worn or filled with fouling or debris.
Specific Condition Notes: Surfaces show widespread rust, pitting, scratches, and blemishes. The wood stock is worn with deep blemishes across its length. The rifle's finish exhibits extensive pitting and wear. The stock disk is present. The rifling shows heavy wear, and the bore has visible damage.
What’s Included
- Royal Small Arms Factory SMLE Mk III rifle chambered in .303 British
- 1x 10-round SMLE-pattern detachable steel box magazine (installed)
Production and markings align strongly with WWI service. The butt-socket is marked "ENFIELD 1916 SHT L.E III" with crown, and the rifle retains its SMLE architecture including the charger bridge and full-length military wood furniture with upper handguards. A protected blade front sight pairs with a folding ladder tangent rear sight for the standard SMLE sighting system.
The bolt-action operates on the SMLE’s cock-on-closing system, feeding from a 10-round detachable box magazine and charger bridge for rapid top-up via stripper clips. A manual safety lever is fitted as standard.
Furniture details include a brass buttplate with trap and sling swivels. A painted rack number "46" remains on the right butt, providing unit or inventory context from prior service.
Importer text "G A C MELBOURNE, FL ROF No4 Mk1 UK .303" is present; however, the rifle’s configuration and butt-socket marking confirm SMLE Mk III family characteristics. The observed configuration lacks a magazine cut-off, a wartime simplification seen on many rifles of this period. Matching serial markings have been observed on barrel/receiver areas (numbers not disclosed).