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N0.1 MKIII Question

ECO-DAVEECO-DAVE Member Posts: 243 ✭✭✭
edited October 2010 in Ask the Experts
I would like some info on this rifle.

On the wrist:
GR
BSA
1917
Sht LE
III and a star

On the receiver:
No.1 MKIII 303

Serial # 46xxx

Rifle is mint and appears new. Any idea of value?
Also has a round cocking piece on the bolt not the typical flat.

Thank you

Comments

  • jonkjonk Member Posts: 10,121
    edited November -1
    The WW1 Sht LE version of the SMLE generally had a round cocking piece.

    Condition and matching #s are everything. $125 for a beater, $200-$250 for a nice but average specimen, more for something in really nice shape.

    Volley sights and mag cutoff intact will command a premium.

    Edit: Doh! I missed the * in your description.
  • SoreShoulderSoreShoulder Member Posts: 3,148 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    The mk.III* didn't have volley sights or a cutoff. That's what made it a *.

    If you really have a mint rifle from 1917, there may be something very unusual about it. Does it say DP? FTR? Does it seem to function properly? Are you familiar enough with SMLE's to say?

    Could you post pictures please? One man's mint is another man's NRA VG.
  • ECO-DAVEECO-DAVE Member Posts: 243 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by SoreShoulder
    The mk.III* didn't have volley sights or a cutoff. That's what made it a *.

    If you really have a mint rifle from 1917, there may be something very unusual about it. Does it say DP? FTR? Does it seem to function properly? Are you familiar enough with SMLE's to say?

    Could you post pictures please? One man's mint is another man's NRA VG.



    Not familiar with these rifles, I will say this rifle appears unfired as theres no wear on the feed ramp, even the brass butt plate is near perfect. Blueing is perfect and all lettering is crisp, even the mag is serial numbered to the rifle.
  • yblockheadyblockhead Member Posts: 944 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Any import stamps on it?
  • 11b6r11b6r Member Posts: 16,584 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    The GR is George Rex- King George of Britain. BSA is British Small Arms, the maker. It would be MOST uncommon to find one in unfired condition. Not impossible, but up there with winning the lottery. Of course, this thread is USELESS WITHOUT PICTURES !!!!

    Link for some info on your SMLE- http://www.surplusrifle.com/smle/index.asp

    Edit- Deerhide is correct- Birmingham Small Arms. Me brain dead.
  • SoreShoulderSoreShoulder Member Posts: 3,148 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I think what you have there is a rifle in NRA Very Good condition, but nothing like mint or new. There are new Sht.LEys out there BTW.

    The wood has been cut away around the rear sight, indicating it's been issued, then probably been worked on by one of the King's armorers. The part that went around the rear sight got beat up easily and was typically cut off.

    Incidentally, you have a beechwood stock. They were running low on walnut, which has to be seasoned (dried) for three years before it makes a good gunstock. Birch and beech are traditional second choices. Beech is so stable they make woodworking planes out of it but is kinda ugly to some. I saw a lovely, unomdified long gew.98 with a beech stock once, so the Germans were doing it too.

    In WW2 the Germans and Soviets started using laminated wood, which dries quicker, uses more of the tree, and can be layered so as to overcome the warpage. The British re-engineered the No.1's successor the No.4 mk 2 to be more resistant to warpage by pinning the trigger to the receiver rather than the stock.

    Based solely on an occasional perusal of the No.1's on gunbroker I would say it should go for around $350? It does seem to have been deployed somewhere which was kind to the finish-Iraq, perhaps? It IS in great shape for an old ShtLEy, it's just far from new. That's unless the bore is shot or rusted out.
  • ECO-DAVEECO-DAVE Member Posts: 243 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Thank you, Do you have a idea of value for this rifle?
  • givettegivette Member Posts: 10,886
    edited November -1
    Others will chime in on the percentage loss, but the rifle has been import stamped (on the right side of the charge guide). CAI St. Albans, VT.

    I know it's an undesireable feature [the import stamp], but by how much, I don't know.

    Since the rifle looks very clean, (albeit used), the import stamp and the lack of 'cherry' condition will not be a deal breaker to any except the serious collector.

    Good Luck! Joe
  • deerhidedeerhide Member Posts: 224 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    BSA stands for Birmingham Small Arms, where it was made. You are lucky to have the mag.# match the rifle#
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