New toy for the collection

KCLRPC · Post by **KCLRPC** » Wed Jul 19, 2006 3:25 pm

well, as promised I've managed to find time to get photos of the new rifle. after nearly being seduced by a regulated version in Fulton's, this came courtesy of Arundel Classic Guns. Its a No1 Mk1***, made by LSA in 1906. Its original serial number is struck through, and has been replaced by one with an 'ER' prefix, something I've been informed means it ended up in the Irish Republic. However, the barrel retains the original serial number, as I've tried to show below. It seems to be completely original, with the original slide and the earlier pattern magazine, as well as cut off, sliding charger and long range dial sights still present. Its only failing are slight knocks on the woodwork, and a crack of the front top wood which has been repaired contemporarily. The one thin I'm not sure of is in the first photo; a small metal pin forward of the band which appears to go all the way through. I've not had time to strip it down, but any suggestions as to what it might be.

Nick

Aughnanure · Post by **Aughnanure** » Wed Jul 19, 2006 5:24 pm

The smalll bin at the Band, outer, is original and is probably to reinforce the wood. Ommitted on later rifles. Nce piece, lucky that all the bits are there.

KCLRPC · Post by **KCLRPC** » Wed Jul 19, 2006 5:54 pm

thank you, I wasn't sure what it was, but I'm glad its all meant to be there. I was also forgetting the terminology for the band

oh well, time for a holiday

Woftam · Post by **Woftam** » Wed Jul 19, 2006 6:42 pm

Nick,

Nice acquisition. Now of course you need a holiday - you need some time to familiarise yourself with that new rifle.

A thought on the pin. My MLE has the same pin in the same place. MLE furniture doesn't have a groove for the band to sit into as does furniture for the SMLE. I believe the pin was in MLE furniture to retain the band in place and inertia saw it carried over to the SMLE. It must have been dropped after the MkI*** as I've not seen it on MkIII/III*'s. (Note - this is based on something I read but now can't find)

With regard to the newer serial number, it is raised from time to time on the various forums (along with the CR serials). I don't think it denoting Republic of Ireland service is in dispute but there does some to be some debate on what it actually means. Some say Eire Regiment and Cork Regiment, others say Emergencegy Reserve and Civilian Reserve. Take your pick, I'm betting the answer when (and if) it does turn up is something completely different.

HTH

Graeme

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KCLRPC · Post by **KCLRPC** » Thu Jul 20, 2006 2:39 am

I wish the holiday was to familiarise myself with the rifle. sadly, it will be a month before I can take her to pieces and do a work up on the markings. the really nice thing about it is that its well in headspace, and reproofed this year. which means that I shall undoubtedly be going back down to Bisley for an unofficial holiday when I return. its barrel may well be 80+, but its always nice to see what it'll make of a top hat target.

KCLRPC · Post by **KCLRPC** » Thu Jul 20, 2006 2:40 am

as another side point, is it unusual for there to be no markings on the stock disc?