Rare British S.M.L.E. Mk. III* Rifle fitted for the Japanese Type 30 B
Guns International #: 100450527 Seller's Inventory #: 25571
Category: Military Rifles - Non-US - Enfield Rifles
Seller's Information
When emailing or calling sellers direct, please mention that you saw their listing on GunsInternational.com
Seller: Joe Salter com
Company: Down East Antiques - Joe Salter
Member Since: 9/10/10
First Name: Garrick-March-Jim-Joe
Last Name: Salter
State: New Hampshire
Zip: 03031
Country: United States
Phone: (603) 732-4000
Fax: (603) 732-4200
Platinum Seller
Number of Active Listings: 1191
Total Number of Listings: 20199
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
FREE SHIPPING FOR ORDERS OVER $500! We also have a 30 day Inspection Period and NOT a 3 day Inspection.
Payment Types Accepted: We take all major credit cards with NO CREDIT CARD FEES! Also Check or Money order.
About Us: Joe Salter has been in the Antique and Collector Weapons business for 60 years as both a collector and dealer. Our company is based in Southern New Hampshire and we have had an internet based store front for the past 20 years. We are federally licensed and deal in all types of firearms and related material. We offer free Shipping for orders over $500.
Description:
Serial #73689, .303 British, 25” barrel with a fine, bright bore that has some minor freckling within the grooves. This is an extremely rare rifle, originally a standard Mk. III* by B.S.A. (mixed numbers), that has been given an extra long sword bar in order to attach the Japanese Type 30 Arisaka bayonet. The metal retains 70-80% of the original blue with the balance having a freckled plum-brown patina mixing with mild surface freckling throughout as well as some light pinprick pitting on the barrel band. The nosecap, as mentioned above, has a lengthened sword bar for fitting the Japanese bayonet which is rather crudely welded in place but is otherwise unmodified. The buttstock, forend, and handguard are in very good shape with numerous handling marks and small surface blemishes marring the old added military oil finish. A partial original SMLE leather sling is installed and a 10 rd. magazine is included. Also included is a hooked quillon Type 30 bayonet and scabbard with Kokura Arsenal/”Hourglass” maker marked ricasso that is in excellent condition overall. In his book on the Lee-Enfield, Ian Skennerton comments that these unusual rifles appeared to be modified post-war in order to arm troops or the constabulary with Japanese bayonets which were plentiful in the occupied areas of Asia and the Pacific immediately after the war. Skennerton theorizes that these rifles originated in Indonesia while others have conjectured Buma but no definitive place of origin is yet known (the presence of an “ENGLAND” stamp on the receiver could be significant). In any event, this is only the second example of one of these extremely rare rifles we have yet seen and is in very good condition. It is a wonderful opportunity for the advanced collector to own a very rare Lee-Enfield. {Ref. “The Lee-Enfield – A Century of Lee-Metford & Lee-Enfield Rifles & Carbines” by Ian Skennerton; 2007} FFL or C&R
SOLD
Curio/Relic: Yes
Manufacturer: Enfield
Model: SMLE
Serial Number: 73689
Caliber Info: .303
Gauge Info: .303