GUN SPRING 2017
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/11/2017
INCREDIBLY RARE 1924 BRITISH R.S.A.F. ENFIELD .303 SMLE NO. 1 MK VI PROTOTYPE RIFLE.BRITISHSMLE NO. 1 MK VILT3101303MODERN; C&RCal. .303. 25.2" bbl. This rifle which is described in Skennerton's reference, pgs 193 & 194 is the 1924 bridge between the SMLE Mk V and the Mk VI. It is immediately recognizable by the unusual nosecap, and checkered fore-wood and hand guard like ensuing Mk VI. All visible numbers matching. Trigger guard and cut off are the same tooling as Mk V. Action features are like the Mk III fitted with a Singer sewing machine safety lever. Cocking piece does not have a flange. Bolt exhibits oil holes. Reinforced protective wing rear folding sight, like later number IV. Outer band not hinged. Number IV style front sight block with screw to tighten blade. Identical bayonet lugs on each side. Upon close inspection one will not its heavy profile bbl. Formerly in the Kenyan Royal Military Academy Museum, the museum catalog number "P25" is at toe of the butt. Marked with British nitro proofs on bbl and top of receiver band. Marked "A" on butt disc, cocking piece and inside hand guards. PROVENANCE: From the Estate of World Renowned British Rifle Collector Robert W. Faris. CONDITION: Extremely fine to near excellent orig blued finish on all metal parts. Also with extremely fine wood exhibiting several dings, scratches and handling marks. Bolt also near excellent. Bore is near excellent, shiny and bright. Brass buttplate and butt disc exhibit pleasing patina. End of bbl exhibits a patinaed "straw" appearance. For the pure British rifle collector, this rifle must be seen as it is of singular importance and is the immediate predecessor of the Mk VI rifle. 51608-10 JWK (15,000-25,000)