Summer Sale of Fine and Sporting Arms
Lot 346:
Description
LEE ENFIELD A CASED No4(T) .303 SNIPER RIFLE Ser No BJ17453;
Alloy butt plate with compartment cover, 3/4 length stock, cheek rest, 4-groove top cover, Mk 2 sling attachment bracket to underside of butt, sling swivel Mk 1T forward of magazine housing and to band. Dovetail MK 2 foresight bladestamped ‘-0.15’, the block stamped with braod arrow, with sight protectors, adjustable Mk1 backsight. Blackened main body with scope mount pads. No 32 MK 3 telescopic sight Ser No 18430 (scope manufactured by Taylor Hobson & Co as marked), the scope bracket same, stamped ‘BJ17453’, also ‘18430’ to the flat portion of the small of the butt. The optics bright and clear, the drums moving freely to adjust, leather end cap protectors. Manufactured at Maltby in 1944, the butt socket stamped ‘M 1944’ & ‘TR’. The left side wall of the action stamped ‘No 4 MkI T’. The Maltby production, serial number and scope number would suggest conversion by Holland & Holland although ‘S51’ is not evident on the underside of the butt. Spare magazine. Birmingham proof 1988.
‘Telescopic Scout Regiments’ Mk iis Ser No 7607 three-draw scope manufactured by HCR & Son Ltd with leather covering in a leather case. Wooden No 15 Mk 1 chest, ‘Short Rifle’ cover dated 1942, Metal No 8 (second pattern) sight case, M1903 Springfield sling, bandolier, No 9 bayonet.
Barrel 25 1/4", Pull 13", OAL 44", Weight 11lb 7oz
Ref:
Laidler, P., Skennerton, I., (1993). An Armourer’s Perspective: .303 No.4 (T) SNIPER RIFLE and the Holland & Holland Connection. Australia: Ian Skennerton.
Condition Report:
The stock refinished (not untoward), a number of recent light marks, a repair to the left hand side forward of the safety catch. The action having also undergone some refinish. Sight case repainted and unmarked with replica label, sling with two sympathetic repairs. The scope with ‘silvered’ edges and thinning finish in places. The reticles near-perfect bar one very small fleck. Some build-up of dust to edges. Chest non-matching, the dovetail loose at one corner. The cover replaced. One magazine painted. Spotting scope cover and covering marked. The optics good, slight haze. The bore fabulous! Sharp rifling showing little sign of use other than some colouring.
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