Lee-Enfield No. 1 Mk III (SMLE) bolt-action rifle chambered in .303 British, manufactured at Ishapore in 1917 and bearing a 1928 “RF” (Rifle Factory Ishapore) refurbishment stamp. The rifle has all matching numbers and is in excellent overall and mechanical condition with a mirror bore. It features the brass buttplate characteristic of Indian production and comes with an original canvas sling.
The Short, Magazine Lee-Enfield (SMLE) No. 1 Mk III was the standard British and Commonwealth service rifle of World War I, renowned for its smooth, fast cock-on-closing action and 10-round magazine. This example was produced at the Rifle Factory Ishapore in India in 1917 — wartime production — and later passed through the Ishapore arsenal again for refurbishment in 1928, as denoted by its “RF” stamp. Ishapore SMLEs are noted for their brass buttplates, and matching-numbered examples in this condition are increasingly desirable to military surplus and Enfield collectors. With a mirror bore, excellent mechanics, matching numbers, and its original canvas sling, this is a clean and attractive representative of the classic SMLE.
Specifications
Manufacturer: Rifle Factory Ishapore (India)
Country of origin: India (British service)
Year: 1917 (manufacture); 1928 RF refurbishment stamp
Model: Lee-Enfield No. 1 Mk III (SMLE)
Action: Bolt action
Caliber: .303 British
Matching: All numbers matching
Condition: Excellent overall; excellent mechanical condition
Bore: Mirror
Features: Brass buttplate
Markings: 1928 “RF” (Rifle Factory Ishapore) refurbishment stamp
Included: Original canvas sling
