GUN SPRING 2017
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/11/2017
RARE AND HISTORICALLY IMPORTANT BRITISH R.S.A.F. ENFIELD .303 SMLE NO. 1 MK VI TO NO. 4 TRANSITIONAL TEST RIFLE.BRITISHSMLE NO. 1 MK VI85303MODERN; C&RCal. .303. British. 25.2" bbl marked "44" and "M47C" as re-barreled for tests. Rear sight not present. This rifle is described in Skennerton's reference The Lee Enfield, pgs 193 & 194. This factory test rifle action is in-the-white, fitted with WWII butt and bbl for subsequent tests, but was originally made at Enfield in the early 1930's. Hinged front bbl band. Scooped out left hand receiver for thumb to actuate safety catch. Rounded cocking knob. All are noticeable features on this rifle. "5703" stamped on right side of buttstock. Formerly in the Kenyan Royal Military Academy Museum, the museum catalog number "P21" is at toe of the butt. Typical British nitro proofs on top of receiver and bbl. PROVENANCE: From the Estate of World Renowned British Rifle Collector Robert W. Faris. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish near excellent. Blued finish on metal parts except for the action and bolt which are in-the-white and have an almost straw-like appearance from a thin coat of preservative oil in places. Wood has numerous small dings and handling marks. Bore is near excellent, shiny and bright. A scarce and important specimen in the transition from the No. 1 Mk VI to the No. 4 rifle. 51608-13 JWK (5,000-10,000)