Offered here is an early British Birmingham Small Arms Co. (BSA) manufactured Magazine Lee Enfield (MLE) rifle, commonly known to collectors as the "Long Lee," chambered in .303 British.
The original markings on the left side of the butt socket have been partially removed, leaving only the B.S.A. manufacturer's marking visible. As a result, the original factory model designation and production date can no longer be confirmed from the receiver markings alone. However, based on the rifle's surviving physical characteristics, including the absence of a clearing rod hole beneath the front barrel band, it is most accurately described as a Magazine Lee Enfield in Mk I* configuration*, rather than being definitively identified as a factory marked Mk I*.
One of the greatest strengths of this rifle is the remarkable completeness of its early Long Lee configuration. It retains many of the distinctive features that were commonly lost during later military upgrades or post service modifications, including:
• Original full length fore end and upper handguard
• Complete volley sight system
• Magazine cut off
• Original long range ladder rear sight
• Mk I* pattern front barrel band without a clearing rod hole
• Stacking hook
• Original bayonet mounting arrangement
• Brass buttplate with trap
• Original detachable magazine
Many surviving Long Lee rifles were later converted into Charger Loading Lee Enfield (CLLE) configuration or lost components such as the volley sights and magazine cut off during military service. Finding an example that still retains so many of its original early pattern features has become increasingly uncommon and represents one of this rifle's strongest collector attributes.
The woodwork is exceptionally well preserved.
The stock set remains remarkably clean, displaying only light handling marks consistent with honest age. Particularly noteworthy is the condition of the upper handguard, which remains exceptionally well preserved with crisp edges and an excellent overall appearance. Its color, finish and age related patina closely match the fore end and buttstock, creating a highly uniform appearance with virtually no noticeable color difference.
Since upper handguards were among the components most frequently replaced during military service and later refurbishment, finding an example with such a well matched original appearance is highly desirable from a collector's standpoint.
The metal finish is also well preserved, retaining an attractive aged patina with normal handling wear and no significant external corrosion visible. The bore retains strong, well defined rifling and remains in very good condition for a rifle of this age. Considering the condition typically encountered on surviving Long Lee rifles, the bore presents better than average.
Another particularly interesting collector feature is the "G. FULTON" stamp visible beneath the rear opening of the upper handguard.
This marking is stamped on the barrel reinforce immediately forward of the receiver, rather than on a readily replaceable small component, giving it a much stronger historical association with the rifle itself or its barrel assembly.
G. Fulton of Bisley was one of Britain's most respected gunsmiths and target rifle specialists, closely associated with the National Rifle Association's famous Bisley ranges. The firm became well known for servicing, tuning and preparing Lee series rifles for competitive shooting and precision use. The presence of this stamp indicates that this rifle, or at least its barrel assembly, passed through the Fulton workshop at some point in its history, adding an authentic and highly interesting Bisley gunsmithing connection that enhances its collector appeal.
The barrel reinforce also retains the original "FOR CORDITE ONLY" marking together with period inspection marks and the stamped number B0334.
The "FOR CORDITE ONLY" marking is a classic feature found on early British Lee rifles, indicating that the barrel was designed and regulated for use with Cordite, the smokeless propellant adopted by the British military during the late nineteenth century. The survival of this marking further reinforces the rifle's early production heritage.
The original serial number on the bolt handle has unfortunately been removed, preventing confirmation of whether the bolt remains serial matching to the receiver. Internally, the bolt retains a small inspection or assembly mark that appears to read either A09 or 409, although the first character is no longer completely legible.
Overall, this is an exceptionally attractive and highly collectible BSA Long Lee that retains an impressive level of originality in both appearance and configuration.
Although the original butt socket model designation has been removed and the bolt serial is no longer visible, the rifle still preserves the defining characteristics of an early Magazine Lee Enfield Mk I configuration*, including its complete volley sight system, magazine cut off, Mk I* front barrel band, original long range rear sight, detachable magazine and beautifully preserved wood furniture. Combined with its excellent upper handguard, above average bore condition and the desirable G. Fulton of Bisley gunsmith marking, this rifle represents an outstanding opportunity for collectors seeking a well preserved example of one of Britain's earliest Lee Enfield service rifles.
