Deactivated WWI SMLE Marked to the 1st Essex Regiment

***RESERVED******RESERVED******RESERVED***

This is a 1917 dated Enfield made SMLE MKIII* rifle. The brass disc reads "1ESX 498" which is an abbreviation for the 1st Essex Regiment, number 498". The Essex regiment saw extensive service throughout WW1 being involved in some of the bloodiest battles of the war including the Battle of the Somme. They were also part of the BEF and sent to France in 1939, who were eventually evacuated from the beaches of Dunkirk in 1940. In 1925, having survived the Great War this rifle was subject to an upgrade and stamped accordlingly by the bolt safety catch. Deactivated with a working action.

This particular rifle comes with provenance having been owned and used by the world famous Bapty who specialise in supplying weaponry to the film, TV and drama industries.

***RESERVED******RESERVED******RESERVED***