Product Information
This is a remarkable British made matching numbers SMLE rifle - Dunkirk era. Dated 1918, it was made by RSAF, Enfield as a MKIII* however this designation was struck out because the receiver has a magazine cut-off provision. This indicates that it was assembled using early SMLE parts in an effort to meet demand during WW1. The MKIII receiver with magazine cut-off was phased out from 1915. The trigger guard was made by SSA - Standard Small Arms who were only in existance from 1916 to 1918.
In 1934 & 1938 this rifle was subject to further upgrades as part of the British military's ongoing weapons programme, and in 1940 it was re-barreled and painted using British Khaki green paint which part of an offical War Dept directive issued to armourers in 1940. Note the rear sight was also replaced at the same time using a serviceable sight which also has the Khaki green paint on it. The regimantal markings on the brass disc may give an insight as to why this rifle required re-barreing having already been upgraded in 1938. The disc reads "MAN. R .2" which is beleived to be an abbreviation for the 2nd Manchester Regiment" who were deployed to France with the BEF in 1939. It is quite plausible that this rifle returned from France after being evacuated from the beaches of Dunkirk and was then repaired in 1940.
The Khaki green paint was most commonly applied to weapons that were to be used in hot humid conditions, such as Burma and South east Asia during WW2.
A fascinating rifle that quite possibly saw active service in France in 1918 and 1939 !!!
Deactivated with a working action.
To order Call 01547 529093 or 05603 416575 or email sales@deactivated-guns.co.uk.
