Turn of the century (1900) LSA commercial sporter

pneps · Post by **pneps** » Tue Oct 04, 2005 9:13 pm

Here she is, a LSA commercial sporter built on a Lee Enfield carbine action. Queen Victoria era proofs. Black horn fore end tip. Express sights and more. Is there any way to more preciselt date this grand old dame, or perhaps even find out who she was made for?

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Aughnanure · Post by **Aughnanure** » Wed Oct 05, 2005 2:35 am

Colour me deep green

ENVIOUS

That is a truly lovely example, I particularly like the foresight treatment, that's the first I have ever seen done like that. I think the magazine chain is a neat bit of work also, do you think that it's original?

The only clue you might find would possibly be a pencilled name under cover on the wood..

Eoin.

rayinNZ · Post by **rayinNZ** » Wed Oct 05, 2005 4:42 am

A similar rifle went through the New Zealand Auctions in 2002

W J Jeffery on barrel

Like yours on a LSA action, similar wood but different sights (5 leaf) and no chain on the mag

Serialled 4401

Presented to the 5 Duke of Montrose 7 Nov 1902 and some other engraving

You can cheeck as the auction is on line at militaria.co.nz

15 July 2002 auction lot 1422

It did not sell by the way but these do come up quite often and range from $300 up depending on maker and condition

Ray

stripperclip · Post by **stripperclip** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 12:29 pm

that is one nice looking rifle and the rear sights are neat have not seen anything like'em.

Aughnanure · Post by **Aughnanure** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 6:43 pm

Come down to the other colony, we've got quite a few around the place.

Unfortunately there aren't any in my gun cabinet. Like (as) a fool I sold mine years ago when few appreciated them (incl moi).

Eoin.

Post by **Niner** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 10:29 pm

The magazine cutoff looks military. The safety looks much more user friendly than the military one that was on the other side of the bolt on later Enfields. The flat sided bolt knob is good. The multiple sight leaves are from another time for sure. Really good post. Glad you took the time to make it and show this rifle.

belgmart · Post by **belgmart** » Sat Oct 08, 2005 3:05 am

Are typical cape sights, and can be found on most S.A. rifles - something with a requirement for rifles to have long-range sight for possible military use, I have been told. Odds are this one comes from there.

dromia · Post by **dromia** » Sat Oct 08, 2005 9:21 am

That is one beautiful rifle you have there Pneps, thank you for sharing.

I've put up a post on my BSA for comparison.

Gert is right on the cape sights being dual sporting and military use, the martini type ladder part is so that the officers could join in with the troops at keeping the natives at bay if required.

As you can see the sights go up to 1000 yrds, which is not really plains game potting distances.

I am not aware of any LSA records being in existence so it could be difficult finding such detailed info about the rifle, did any provenance come with the piece such as receipts etc?

These rifles were built on standard Long Lee actions that these companies were producing for the military, volunteer and target users.

The non military addittions being woodwork, barrels and sights. In most cases the barrels were reprofiled military jobs.

Is it Enfield rifled?

Good examples of these rifles are going for £500-£600 here now even although they are reasonably common.

Turn of the century (1900) LSA commercial sporter

Turn of the century (1900) LSA commercial sporter

Those sights...