Deactivated very rare early production military marked Lee Speed Patents Metford rifle

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This is a very rare early production military marked Lee Speed Patents Metford rifle. Incredibly this example has its matching and correct bolt with its early cover, original volley and dioptor sights, single stack 8 round capacity magazine with retaining spring and twin sling hoops. The wood work is also correct and original to the rifle. This rifles serial number "3147" has no letter prefix or suffix. This denotes that it is only rifle number 3147th and dates to the late 1880s early 1890s. The regimental disc is marked "RE 11 02 E1 RV 1516"  believed to be the following, RE=Royal Engineers, 11 02=November 1902, E1(possible 1st E company) RV=Rhodesian Volunteers or Rifle Volunteers, weapon number 1516.

Early versions of the Lee-Metford rifles that were sold commercially were required to carry acknowledgement of the patent holders for the designs used. One of the major producers of Metford rifle was the Birmingham Small Arms Company (BSA) who manufactured both for military contracts and commercial sales. During this period rifles could be privately purchased, this would explain why this example entered in military service.

A rare and very interesting British rifle. 1902 saw British forces, including the Royal Engineers stationed in South Africa during the Second Boer War ( 1899 to 1902).

Deactivated with a working action it can be cocked, stripped and dry fired.

AP

To order Call 01547 529093 or 05603 416575 or email sales@deactivated-guns.co.uk.

Product Code: 1SP95

OUT OF STOCK