November 17 & 18, 2021 Extraordinary Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/18/2021
Realizing the need for a more suitable rifle for designated sniper units during World War I, the British military in April of 1918, ordered 2,000 Winchester manufactured P14 rifles be built in with the newly adopted Pattern 1918 scope. The British preferred the Winchester manufactured rifles for these new sniper rifles due to their higher overall quality, proving to be more accurate and reliable than P14 rifles produced by other American manufacturers. The majority of these rifles never made it to the battlefield, with the war ending just 7 months after the adoption of the Pattern 1918 optic. After the war, it appears many of these rifles were sent to the Commonwealth's colonies. This example bears a British broad arrow proof on the left side of the receiver, followed by a crossed pennant/G.R." proof, and crown over "BNP" nitro proof. Beneath the upper handguard, the barrel bears British proofs, the serial number, as well as a "'17" stamp, stipulating the date of manufacture (1917). Winchester "W" proofs are present on usually stamped components. British proofs are also present on the bolt as well as the bottom of the wrist on the stock. Bottom of barrel and receiver bear various arsenal proofs. Right side of buttstock bears a broad arrow over an encircled "IW" that is above "PATT.14" followed by a 5-pointed star. The top rear of the buttstock bears what appears to be a painted "39". Stock has been duffel cut beneath the rear barrel band and has been reattached via an adhesive. Volley sight is properly not present and still retains the sight's dial disc. Upper handguard is stamped "H.M./ CO LTD" on the interior. 1918 pattern optic is stamped "PERISCOPIC PRISM CO LTD/ MAKERS LONDON" on the top midsection, with a broad arrow over "1918/ MODEL" towards the rear. Matching numbers are present on the receiver, right receiver "ear", barrel, and bolt. Optic is matching via an electro-penciled inscription. The consignor states that they purchased this rifle in New Zealand and it is common for these rifles to have their scopes matching via an electro-penciled serial number. Complete with a U.S. leather sling. CONDITION: Metal components retain bountiful amounts of their arsenal reapplied blue finish, exhibiting some small areas of handling and storage marks showing through to silvering as well as some light areas of wear. Bolt body exhibits a few areas of pitting, but is otherwise fine. Bore is bright, showing bright to moderate oxidation, and retains good rifling throughout. Stock is good as arsenal refurbished, exhibiting scattered impressions and handling marks overall, with a few areas of loss at high points around the receiver. Exterior of scope shows some wear and an area of cleaned pitting. Optic is clear. A very attractive example of a scarce Winchester manufactured British P14 bolt action sniper rifle. MLW