LEE ENFIELD SMLE LSA Co Ltd 1906 Sht LE 1**** PROTOTYPE.

Description

LEE ENFIELD SMLE LSA Co Ltd 1906 Sht LE 1**** PROTOTYPE.      

An EARLY Prototype SMLE Sht Magazine Lee Enfield no1****. .303 Bolt Action Rifle by LSA (London Small Arms) dating to 1906.

Apparently LSA, Spark-brook and BSA produced various options and models before THE main Lee Enfield factory was built as the main hub of manufacture.

Happy to stand corrected / any ACCURATE information on these early rifles. I have little doubt there is plenty out there along with even more information.

(For a little HISTORY click the link. PLEASE also DO click on the ‘Contribution’ link (top right) AND ACTUALLY CONTRIBUTE). It’s a great source of as accurate information as you will find and it DOES need help to continue.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London_Small_Arms_Co._Ltd

All Enfield Rifles are a part of history.

THIS example is part of the MAKING of that HISTORY. A prototype Short Magazine Lee Enfield Prototype and in Simply IMMACULATE condition. A SERIOUS Collectors Piece certainly but THIS WOULD and perhaps SHOULD belong in the National Armoury Museum. They do probably have one, but if not, I AM pretty sure they would want it. However, it is here and it is for sale to the first discerning, dedicated and enthusiastic collector who finds it.

Many unusual features to detail so READ ON:

Inward Arched, Hand Cut Chequered Topped, Front Sight Bead Side Protectors.

It even features Windage Adjustment.

Reasonably common but Always an Extra Nice feature the Original Side Mounted Dial Volley Sight.

Take a SERIOUS look at the Rear Battle Sight. Graduated from 200 right through to 2000 Yards. Sub-dived with 100- and 200-yard graduations. AGAIN, with Micrometer Windage Adjustment built in to the actual ‘V’. Push Button Release Fast Slide Elevation with Hand Cut Chequering of the apparently Whale Bone grip buttons. No plastic around in 1906!

All protected by Again Hand Cut chequering topped shoulder that are ATTACHED to, and part of, the Rear Clip-on Top Wood.

Magazine Cut Off. Then perhaps the biggest and most easily obvious difference the SLIDING Magazine Charger Guide. This is attached to the Bolt Itself. Pulled fully back, the corresponding charger clip slot aligns with its opposite. That in a fixed position in the action on the other side. Push forward to load and lock the bolt and it slides back over to allow operation.

Flip up Peep Volley Sight mounted to the left side of the action along with the safety.

ALL fully stamped up with Military Crows Foot along with British Nitro Proof (BNP).

An original Brass Oil Bottle with correct Military Pull Through inside the Hinged Trap Door to the Brass Butt Plate.

Metal work is in FINE condition inside and out.

25 ¼” (642mm) Barrel set to a 13 3/8” (340mm) Stock. Overall, the rifle measures 44 ½” (1130mm) including the bayonet stub. Tips the scales as pictured with its sling at a near enough 9 Lbs dead. (4.076 Kg).

Woodwork is all but IMMACULATE too. With one of the Prettiest Tiger Stripe Cross Grain Patterns I have ever seen on an Enfield. I DARE say this will shoot as good as it looks. Obviously EXTREMELY WELL cared for since it was first made 12 DECADES ago! Certainly, ANY and ALL previous owners ‘Pride and Joy’ in their respective cabinets.

Even if can’t hit the proverbial barn door with a rifle like this many simply won’t actually care. It IS THAT Nice as well as THAT RARE and COLLECTABLE. The pure pleasure of simply firing a few rounds down range has potential to transport you back in time. Having the opportunity to fire an actual Historical piece that led to the NEVER to be forgotten British Lee Enfield Legacy.

THAT SAID, do look at the last image. Both are groups shot by me with SMLE rifles approx. 10 years younger than this. Admittedly, with a scope fitted but even so. For 100-yard groups it PROVES you do not need ‘brand new’. Not saying this rifle is as accurate. HOWEVER, NO reason why it would not be so.

In reality, priceless in many ways. Certainly, every bit as valuable AND MORE than any of the limited numbers of Enforcer’s out there. Even the very best example. At least I would consider so. There are far fewer of these still available! It’s highly possible this EXACT format is a one off, especially after so many years.

IF I EVER find another, I will be a VERY HAPPY MAN.

An update for June 2026 …. I AM a ‘VERY, VERY happy man.

Just managed to get hands on another dated a year earlier!

A Very Similar Spark-brook example dated the following year 1907 JUST sold in Holt’s September 2021 Main Sale. Lot 1116. The hammer went down at £2800 with commission and VAT to add. Grand Total £3640. IF that was trade there would also be a profit to factor in on top. WELL over £260.

£3999.99