Finally got my 1917 no1 Mk III * in The Lee Enfield Forum Forum

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Finally got my 1917 no1 Mk III *

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Michael Terreblanche	Finally got my 1917 no1 Mk III *	Lead	[-]
Posts: 14 Dec 24 12 5:11 AM Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Tags : None I recently picked up my second Lee Enfield, a 1917 mk III . waited a long time from the auction to receiving the licence. I would like to know more and know there are very informed members here, thank you for all your support. Here are a few pictures. I know the SSA (Standerd Small Arms) stamp indicates that parts were made Canada and shipped to Enfield for assembly, not sure about the G. The EFD SE with a arrow on top, enfield inspection mark I believe, is also stamped on. I am not sure about the serial numbers, there are a few on this rifle, the barrel serial numbers were crossed out and a new serial number given, I belive this happened here in the Union if South Africa, not sure why. The bolt is L 577-, with A5 H on the bottom of the handle, on the would (butt) is I 5622 (could be wrong about the 5), crossed out receiver I 8830 (not sure about first two numbers), Front sight I 5787 with K and unit disk stamp SAP (South African Police) 3079. I am not sure about the meaning of the JM stamp under the safety and a III in the safety lever. The bolt head is stamped on top with M (Maltby), on the side with S and two lines/flags and in front with a F. The bolt cocking pice is stamped with H 8 and is the round one, thought they were replaced in 1916 with the flat type? There is no magazine cutt-off and the rest looks like mk III. Cant wait to get to a range, but they open in the new year. Already started with cleaning and love it.
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Ed Novak		#1	[-]
Posts: 4320 Dec 25 12 11:44 AM Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	That is a lovely rifle. Love the wood stampings myself, always have. The metal appears clean. I note the mix of woods and that they appear to be in excellent condition. I'd guess that the walnut butt may well be original to the rifle. I'll stand aside for others to speak their minds on the stampings and markings. Thank you for showing this beautiful rifle to us. ed NRA Endowment member LECS #2 Air Force Association Life Member MOAA Member
aoe303		#2	[-]
Posts: 60 Dec 27 12 9:41 AM active member Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	That is a nice SMLE. It was actually made by Standard Small Arms in Birmingham, not in Canada. SSA was a consortium of gun makers set up to manufacture SMLEs, b ut they never managed to make a complete weapon. Instead they supplied actions and other components to the peddled scheme and eventually were taken over by the government and became the National Rifle Factory. I believe the "WR" serial number is a South African weapons registration number and the stock disk indicates it was last issued to the South African Police. Regards TonyE