Offered here is a 1917 RSAF Enfield No.1 Mk III (SMLE) chambered in .303 British, retaining a highly desirable First World War-era Mk III configuration.
The receiver markings remain clearly visible, including the Crown / G.R., ENFIELD, 1917, and SHT LE / III markings, identifying the rifle as a Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield production rifle manufactured during the First World War.
One of the most notable features of this example is its excellent degree of serial-number matching. All currently visible and identifiable serial-numbered major components are matching, including the receiver, bolt, barrel, nose cap, and rear sight leaf. The barrel number corresponds with the receiver and is accompanied by numerous original British military proof, acceptance, and inspection markings.
The original serial marking on the fore-end has become extremely faint from long-term wear. However, remnants resembling “L6??5” can still be distinguished in the proper location. The surviving characters, format, and placement are consistent with the rifle's serial number, and the fore-end can reasonably be considered matching based on the remaining visible evidence. Please refer to the detailed photographs. Other inspected components do not show conflicting serial numbers and instead carry various military acceptance and inspection markings.
Importantly, the rifle retains its magazine cut-off, one of the characteristic features of the original No.1 Mk III configuration. The cut-off allowed the magazine to be held in reserve while the rifle was loaded and fired one round at a time. This feature was eliminated as part of the simplified Mk III* configuration introduced during wartime production, making its presence particularly desirable on a WWI-era SMLE.
Numerous additional British military proof, acceptance, and inspection stamps remain visible throughout the rifle, providing further evidence of its military manufacture and service history.
The metal surfaces display honest age and service wear, with finish loss, edge wear, exposed metal, and naturally developed patina appropriate to a military rifle of this age. The wood likewise shows extensive period handling and service marks, including scratches, dents, and general surface wear consistent with its long history.
For a 1917-production SMLE, the bore remains in quite good condition. It is relatively bright with clearly visible rifling. Please refer to the bore photographs for a detailed representation of its condition.
Overall, this is an especially attractive WWI-era SMLE combining 1917 RSAF Enfield manufacture, the original No.1 Mk III configuration, retained magazine cut-off, a matching barrel, and all currently visible serial-numbered major components matching, with the heavily worn fore-end number also showing remnants consistent with the rifle's serial number.
