Description
Enfield Mark III* Bolt Action Sniper Rifle with Scope and Documentation
Price Realized: 
Estimated Price: 20000 CAD
Enfield Mark III* Bolt Action Sniper Rifle with Scope and Documentation
Manufacturer: Enfield
Model: No 1 MK III
Type: Rifle
Gauge: 303
Barrel: 25 inch round
Finish: blue
Grip:
Stock: hardwood
Item Views: 1733
Item Interest: Very Active
Catalog Page: 367
Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun
Description:
Included with this rifle is an inspection report from Ian Skennerton, noted author on Enfield rifles. In the report, he expresses the opinion that this is “a nice original example of a British service Great War sniper rifle”. While dedicated marksmen had been employed in military roles prior, the trenches of the Western Front were in many ways the birthplace of the modern military sniper, with both sides experimenting with small teams, specialist equipment, and techniques for stealthy advance and positioning. British experiments would include the use of high powered double barrel dangerous game rifles to punch through armored cover, as well as converted service rifles like this one; the latter would become the de-facto standard, and by World War II both the Axis and Allies would field rifles in this same pattern. Blade front and windage adjustable tangent rear sights, with the 1915 date and Enfield markings on the socket. A scope base, numbered to match the receiver, is installed with 5 screws on the frame, with the matching number repeated twice on the ring set. The scope is marked “PERISCOPIC PRISM/COMPANY Ltd./LONDON”; Periscopic Prism Company (PPC) is deeply associated with this model, performing the scope installation for Britain much the same way that Griffin & Howe outfitted the M1C for Springfield Armory. Fitted with a smooth stock, with a leather sling and a brass buttplate.
Included with this rifle is an inspection report from Ian Skennerton, noted author on Enfield rifles. In the report, he expresses the opinion that this is “a nice original example of a British service Great War sniper rifle”. While dedicated marksmen had been employed in military roles prior, the trenches of the Western Front were in many ways the birthplace of the modern military sniper, with both sides experimenting with small teams, specialist equipment, and techniques for stealthy advance and positioning. British experiments would include the use of high powered double barrel dangerous game rifles to punch through armored cover, as well as converted service rifles like this one; the latter would become the de-facto standard, and by World War II both the Axis and Allies would field rifles in this same pattern. Blade front and windage adjustable tangent rear sights, with the 1915 date and Enfield markings on the socket. A scope base, numbered to match the receiver, is installed with 5 screws on the frame, with the matching number repeated twice on the ring set. The scope is marked “PERISCOPIC PRISM/COMPANY Ltd./LONDON”; Periscopic Prism Company (PPC) is deeply associated with this model, performing the scope installation for Britain much the same way that Griffin & Howe outfitted the M1C for Springfield Armory. Fitted with a smooth stock, with a leather sling and a brass buttplate.
Rating Definition:
Very good as arsenal refurbished/repaired, with 50% of the blue finish, with areas of brown patina and mild handling marks. Some components, like the rear sight staff, have been renumbered to match the receiver. The stock is good, with a spliced-in repair on the left side along with a number of scuffs, dents and scratches. The scope shows mild wear and finish loss on the exterior, with the optics in good order and the reticle strong. Mechanically fine.
