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**SOLD**1944 WW2 Canadian Lend Lease Long Branch Lee Enfield No.4 Mk.I* Rifle in .303 British Caliber ** All-Matching Fazakerly FTR Rifle
Guns International #: 101984376 Seller's Inventory #: M22-769
Category: Enfield Rifles - Military Rifles - Non-US
Seller's Information
When emailing or calling sellers direct, please mention that you saw their listing on GunsInternational.com
Seller: Antique & Modern Firearms, Inc.
Company: Antique & Modern Firearms, Inc.
Member Since: 4/27/15
State: Kentucky
Zip: 40503
Country: United States
Phone: (859) 276-1419
Fax: (859) 278-0838
Platinum Seller
Number of Active Listings: 184
Total Number of Listings: 14865
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: Visa,Master Card, Discover,Check
Description:
This is a very nice all-matching Lee Enfield No.4 Mk.I* rifle built by the Small Arms Ltd. Company in Long Branch, Canada for the British Military in 1944 for the Lend Lease program. This No.4 Mk.I* appears to have been issued to a British soldier in WW2 and then turned in after the war ended, at which point it went thru a Factory Thorough Repair (FTR) at Fazakerly Arsenal ("(F)" stamp on receiver), a Royal Ordnance Factory in Fazakerly, Liverpool. This No.4 Mk.I* was imported into the U.S. at some point after 1968 but remains in 100% original condition, just how it would have left Fazakerly post-WW2. The Lee Enfield No.4 Mk.I* was officially adopted by the British Military in 1939. It was essentially an improved version of the SMLE which had been the main battle rifle for the British Military even prior to WW1. The No.4 Mk.I* was chambered in the same cartridge as the SMLE, the .303 British, but incorporated changes to the receiver, bolt, stock, sights, barrel, nosecap, and bayonet. While similar in appearance to the SMLE, very few parts were interchangeable. The No.4's receiver was made stronger with less milling required, a simple squared bridge was fitted to the receiver for the stripper clips rather than the complicated round bridge of the SMLE, the SMLE complicated nosecap was discarded in favor of a milled reinforcing band and simplified front sight guard, and the No.4 was fitted with a heavier free-floated barrel which stuck out from the forend and did not require the full-bedding that the SMLE used. All of these changes were implemented thru shortcomings discovered during WW1 as well as to make the rifle easier, cheaper, and faster to manufacture. The Lee Enfield No.4 Mk.I* quickly proved to be a superior battle rifle that was not only extremely tough and reliable, but every bit as accurate as the legendary SMLE No.1 Mk.III*. As both the United States and Canada had the excess ability to build these rifles while still equipping their own troops, the Lend Lease program was kept in motion throughout WW2 to help England and our allies. This particular example is one of the Lend Lease rifles that Canada supplied. This example is serial number "72L9868" manufactured in 1944. It is in very good condition inside and out with perfect mechanics. While it would originally have worn a dull military blue finish from Long Branch, the blue was over-finished with the British "Stove Black" enameled finish when it went thru Fazakerly. This black finish is in excellent condition, showing only some minor handling marks and wear. All of the factory markings are still legible and intact, as-are the electro-penciled additions made to it after the FTR program. All of the serial numbered parts are matching including the receiver, bolt, magazine, and stock. The buttstock is not numbered however the underside of the forearm is just below the nosecap. The only import mark we can find is some tiny markings on the left side of the receiver ring just above the wood line where it is stamped ".303 Brit" over "U.K". There is close-up picture of this in picture #25. The bore in the 25.2" inch barrel is excellent, mirror-bright with perfect, sharp rifling and no visible imperfections. The stock set on this Long Branch No.4 is very nice, free from any eyesores and complete with all of it's original hardware. There are no cracks, chips, or repairs. There are a couple of scratches on the right side of the stock that may look like cracks but they are not. They are located on the right side of the stock below the receiver and on the right side of the buttstock. You can see that there is a relief cut out for the wrist band that allows you to see that the scratch does not go past just the surface. The factory sling swivels, buttplate with trap, barrel band, and nosecap assembly are all in excellent shape and tight to the gun with no wiggle. This is a very solid stock set. The action on this Long Branch is smooth, slick, and precise. The bolt turns into battery smoothly and is rock solid when in battery. All of the controls are in perfect working order including the rear sight adjustments, magazine release, and the left-rear receiver-mounted safety. There is NO doubt that this Long Branch No.4 Mk.I* would still function and shoot just as reliably and accurately today as when it first left the factory over 78 years ago. If you have been looking for an all-matching WW2 Long Branch Lee Enfield here is your chance to get a very handsome example at a great price. This No.4 Mk.I* should continue to be an excellent long-term investment as well as a superb shooter if the new owner so chooses.
SOLD
Curio/Relic: Yes
Rifle Caliber: .303 British
Manufacturer: Small Arms Ltd. Company (Long Branch, Canada)
Model: Lee Enfield No.4 Mk.I*
Serial Number: 72L9868
Barrel Length: 25.2" Inches
Condition: Very Good
Metal Condition: Very Good
Wood Condition: Very Good
Bore Condition: Excellent
Action: Bolt Action Repeater
Stock: Smooth Walnut
Finish: British Arsenal Black
Sights: Iron Battle Sights w/ Flip-Up Rear Ladder Sight
Manufacture Date: 1944