November 15 & 16, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/16/2022
Numerous No. 4 MK I rifles were fitted with scopes had had their actions tuned by a number of British gunmakers (most notably by Holland & Holland) for use as sniper rifles during World War II; post-War they were distributed to numerous protectorates and commonwealth countries or sold off until they were replaced by the L42A1. This is a nice numbers matching example of a BSA manufactured No. 4 Mk I (T) with matching transit chest and scope. Left side of receiver socket marked "M47 C / ENGLAND / 1945 / T34799 / TR", indicating BSA manufacture and that during testing it was found accurate enough to serve as a sniper rifle. Left side of receiver wall with "No. 4 MK. I / T34799" lightly electropencilled, and a much more crisply stamped "T". Aperture rear sight graduated to 1300 meters, protected post front sight. Normal manufacturing marks on small parts for companies like Metal Box Co who made bands, etc.. "K" proof visible ahead of trigger guard in wood, with "AB" behind fore band and "T / 34799" behind muzzle. Butt has "8" in a triangle and "2" behind the trigger guard; no scope number observed on top of wrist, which may indicate a field replacement for a better fit, as the stock has been affixed for some time. Scope can, foliage green marked "OS. 906A / CASE STG. TEL. No 8 / B& Co", white paint reads "34799" and "RIFLE D37978". Inside lip with an attached piece of paper reading "RIFLE No. / D 37973" and "Telescope No. / 10808" and adjustment tool. Scope is numbered 16530, and has 5 X stamps on mount. Transit case, painted green, with stenciled "CHEST. S.A. No 15. Mk 1 / RIFLE No4MK1" and offset "34799", one end stencing "34799". Paper label in lid listing contents and instructions. CONDITION: Overall very good, with black enamel finish falkng at high edges and some light peppering, mostly on left side of receiver. Some light oxidation on bands and muzzle. Stock is very good with some handling marks and some light pings throughout; one notable strike on left side of stock from rear of magazine to rear of butt. Scope can is very good with some mossing and oxidation at corners; scope is very good with clear optics. Transit chest is good with some handling marks throughout commensurate with use, legends clear; instruction sheet with numerous areas of peeling but mostly legible. Mechanically fine, bore is good with strong rifling and darkness in grooves.
Item Dimensions: 47 x 8 x 11"
