GUN SPRING 2017
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, April 11, 2017.
LANDMARK VERY FIRST BRITISH R.S.A.F. ENFIELD .303 SMLE NO. 1 MK VI EARLY PROTOTYPE RIFLE, SN 1.BRITISHSMLE NO. 1 MK VI1303MODERN; C&RCal. .303. 25.2" bbl stamped "M47C" dated 45 as re-barreled for tests. Described in Skennerton's reference, pgs 193-194, this is the progressive development from rifle SN LT3101 offered in this same auction. Proto-type incorporates the following notable features: solid outer band, first of hinged front bands, Prototype safety lever without hole, fabricated magazine cut off, immediately recognizable checkered forend, recessed receiver for thumb to actuate safety catch, checkered brass buttplate and grooved hand guard. Rifle front sight protectors, bayonet lugs not identical (so one cannot accidentally affix bayonet upside down), finer thread traverse screw in front sight protector, No. 4 style trigger guard with square shaped magazine. This rifle also exhibits the first appearance of pinned and screwed round cocking piece and No. 4 style safety catch spring. SN on left side of receiver and on brass butt disc, as well as on bolt and top of bbl. Hand guards exhibit numeral "1" & "2". PROVENANCE: From the Estate of World Renowned British Rifle Collector Robert W. Faris. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish near excellent. Orig blue finish on metal parts with somewhat brighter patina to checkered brass and buttplate. Bore is extremely fine to near excellent. There are several missing checks to both sides of stock with numerous light handling marks, dings and bruises. This is the very first No. 1 Mk VI rifle from 1925 or 1926 and it is a landmark in the production of the British service rifle. 51608-11 JWK (10,000-20,000)