Description:

WORLD WAR II BRITISH ENFIELD RIFLE
Fine example of the classic rifle issued to the British during World War II. Originally a redesign of the Lee–Metford rifle, the Lee–Enfield (SMLE) is a bolt-action, magazine-fed repeating rifle that served as the main firearm of the military forces of the British Empire and Commonwealth during the first half of the 20th century, and was the standard service rifle of the British Armed Forces from its official adoption in 1895 until 1957. This rifle, manufactured by Government Rifle Industries (George Rex Imperator), in Isapore India dated 1944, and does not appear to ever been refurbished, this short magazine Lee-Enfield No. 1 Mk. III is fully matching and marked throughout. To the right side of trigger guard strap, marked with a 'crown' over 'G R.I 1944 No. 1.Mk. III *' and left side of strap is unmarked. Additionally, forward on the receiver and adjacent to the chamber is marked on the right side with 'ENGLAND', '20783' as well as the 'crown' stamp, and marked on the left side with a 'crown' over 'GRI, over another 'broad arrow' marking. Complete with original detachable magazine also marked with the serial number '20783 1'. Bolt is marked with several inspection stamps such as, a 'crown' stamp, an 'S' over 'q' stamp, and a 'broad arrow' mark, with the serial number of '20783' on the back side of the bolt handle, underside of rear tangent leaf sight is also marked with serial number '20783 1', as is the barrel nose cap with bayonet lug. Barrel is bright and showing most of the original rifling. All metal parts of this gun, except stock butt plate, are blued and most retain at least 60% of their original finish. Stock butt plate is made of bronze and has a trap door for storage of an oiler (missing), stock is well vanished, but showing many dings, dents and some small scratches from it's extensive use, left and back end of upper fore-stock has a small 1.75 in. piece that has broken free and is held in place by a strap of tape encircling the whole stock, and has been in place for many years. Right side of stock showing a 'S^A' within a circle cartouche. WITH: New two-hole leather sling marked '1724' in a black ink stamp, with brass claw fittings, a WWII styled sling, but thought to be of post-war manufacture. Overall very good condition.

Firearms sold in auction have not been test-fired, nor have they been thoroughly taken down by a professional gunsmith, therefore it is recommended that a full assessment be conducted by a qualified gunsmith before attempting to shoot or otherwise operate any firearm. Firearms are accurately described to the best of our ability, but no guarantee on the presence of, or manufacturing origins of, any internal or hidden parts. Alexander Historical Auctions assumes no responsibility, financial, liable, or otherwise, in making any firearm safely and fully functional. That is solely the responsibility of the end buyer.

Transferred only where permitted by law. All firearm purchases must be completed through a Federal Firearms License holder, and the purchaser is responsible for all associated fees. No shipping outside of the United States.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, COD (cash on delivery), Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

*SEE ADITTIONAL SHIPPING ABOVE* -Shipments are sent via FedEx and DHL (for most overseas shipments) or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option. Due to complications from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we will ship with USPS Priority Mail only if the buyer submits their request to us in writing and accepts responsibility for delayed shipments. Signature is always required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling and shipping charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. International shipments are invoiced by DIMENSIONAL weight, not the item weight. Please contact us for an estimate before bidding NOTE: Large, heavy or bulky items may not be shipped by the auctioneer - arrangements for shipping of these items via a third-party shipper may be arranged through the auction house. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee. Please allow 2-3 weeks for shipments after receipt of payment due to the high volume of packages being shipped.

June 26, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $999,999 $10,000
$1,000,000 $1,999,999 $50,000
$2,000,000 + $100,000