So you want a Great War Enfield?

[4thGordons]

I am not sure this is entirely the best place to put this but my thinking is that it will attract those with the most interest and knowledge on the subject so...

A month or so ago there were a couple of posts regarding identification of Great War Enfields. In response to one I put up a basic descriptive paragraph that appeared to be well received. As a side project, for some time I have been working on a photographic guide to Great War rifles (slow going).

As a bit of a diversion this weekend I tried to expand my paragraph by adding a few pictures and references. The idea was to keep it short and of use to a non specialist, there is an opening page which explains the intent. Once completed, the intention is that this will be made freely available on line for personal/non profit/educational use. All pictures are mine.

I am not sure I have succeeded in my aim, but I now have a draft which I am linking below for comments, criticisms and suggestions. I have a very hard time deciding what sorts of things people might be interested in or find useful and therefore what I should include/exclude.

What I am looking for is suggestions regarding things that should be omitted and things that should be added (IE what is not there that people would like to be there!) Please bear in mind this is intended to be a short, basic guide not an on line version of Skennerton's Magnum Opus.

The current pdf format is relatively low quality and intended to reduce file size for downloading etc, however it prints out adequately (although the pictures are of reduced quality). It currently also carries a DRAFT watermark....indicating a need for proofing! I wanted to get some other eyes on it before I proceeded too far.

CLICK HERE FOR THE DRAFT VERSION.

Thanks in advance,

Chris

All suggestions about the project gratefully accepted.

[18th Battalion]

Chris

Excellent article, it made me get out my 1918 BSA mkIII* and give it a look over. From what you say, mine is a bit of a rarity having all matching serial numbers in the 6 locations; the only part I know is not original to the rifle is the front hand guard as it has a Lithgow inspectors mark on it and is a different wood from the rest of the stock; intriguingly, it has 8 crude transverse lines (notches) cut into it; I've always wondered if someone was keeping score?

It does also have a butt disc, so there seem to be no guarantees in relation to what features different mark's will or won't have? Oh, and it also has the cut down "fingers" on the hanguards.

Paul

[CroppyBoy1798]

Great article, well put together!!

If I were to add some crit and I'm just being very picky now (and I'm gonna say this before the die hard Enfielders see it ) the image of the No1 MkIII you used, althought it has the mag cut off hasnt got volley sights fitted or the different combed stock suited to the dial plate of the volley sight. Such a feature you'd 'hopefully' like to come across in a WW1 vintage rifle, although I'm aware that stocks would have been replaced etc over time whereas mag cutoffs would have remained or been refitted.

I have a bit of an odd ball SMLE, its a 1918 MkIII* made in Ishapore, and although it doesnt have the cut off, or slot, it has an unpinned windage adjustable rear sight and its original, almost black at this stage, walnut buttstock fitted with the postwar spring mod and unit disc. Its nose cap is the very rare windowless variant made for a couple of years only I believe.

[4thGordons]

Thank you.

I will check the photo - it may be that I juxtaposed pictures when I was putting them in.

Yes, the nosepiece you are referring to was made from 1918 into the early 20s at Ishapore and so would be entirely correct for your rifle.

They are pretty uncommon, which was why I did not include it in the line up.

I have a bit of a soft spot for Ishapore rifles I must admit...including the oddities.

There seems to be something of a snobbery against them which I do not understand but am willing to reap the benfits of in terms of price compared to the inflated prices generated for Lithgows. Give me an interwar Ishapore over a 1943 Lithgow any day of the week.

Chris

[coppertales]

Nice article. One comment, the SMLE has a later flat cocking knob. I am fortunate to have three Great War SMLEs, a 1916 Enfield, a 1913 BSA, and a 1917 Lithgow. I also have a 1916 Remington P14 and a 1917 Eddystone P14. All are good shooters. Keep up the good work....chris3

[CroppyBoy1798]

Thank you.

I will check the photo - it may be that I juxtaposed pictures when I was putting them in.

Yes, the nosepiece you are referring to was made from 1918 into the early 20s at Ishapore and so would be entirely correct for your rifle.

They are pretty uncommon, which was why I did not include it in the line up.

I have a bit of a soft spot for Ishapore rifles I must admit...including the oddities.

There seems to be something of a snobbery against them which I do not understand but am willing to reap the benfits of in terms of price compared to the inflated prices generated for Lithgows. Give me an interwar Ishapore over a 1943 Lithgow any day of the week.

Chris

Thats the very nosecap indeed! Unfortunately its not numbered to the rest of the rifle, but, as you say, its correct for the year. I have seen a couple of these nosecaps on a batch of de-acs that turned up on various militaria dealers in the UK, god only know where they came from. They also appear to have a mystery marking on them, stamped on the reciever ring and wrist band, 'D.P.P.B' or 'D.P.P.P', cant make out what it is and I've posted it on a few Lee Enfield message boards, its not and badly applied 'D.P', its a mystery.

I suppose Ishapore gets bad press as the majority of rifles to show up from there are WW2 or later in date when quality took a severe nosedive, by all accounts I believe early/WW1 and interwar Ishy's are highly regarded.

[auchonvillerssomme]

Chris thats whats needed, very good.

Mick

[Borden Battery]

Nice piece of work on the subject - let me know when it is finalized and what website/URL address - I will add this material of the Recommended List. Borden Battery