OwenMartin Posted 2 November , 2017 Share Posted 2 November , 2017 Hi, about a year ago I purchased my dream gun a Lee Enfield SMLE MK3, I got it from my local military surplus store in Hertfordshire. At the time me and the shop owner both thought it was a typical rifle but we didn’t know why it had a flap over the cover, when I got home I looked into it and found out that it isn’t a Flanders Flap which I understand to be quite rare? As I am now 18 I’m looking to get a Enfield that actually fires and I was wondering how much my Enfield would be worth now? It is in perfect condition dated 1918. Thanks Owen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeyH Posted 2 November , 2017 Share Posted 2 November , 2017 (edited) Owen, Your SMLE looks like a nice example, do all the numbers match? Don't forget if you sell it on you may have to have the deactivation updated to new spec., if not already to the current standard. The 'Flanders Flap' fitted may be a modern replica, the spring looks suspiciously 'clean', they are available from around £15. Mike. Edited 2 November , 2017 by MikeyH Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OwenMartin Posted 3 November , 2017 Author Share Posted 3 November , 2017 Hi Mike unfortunately the bolt was replaced by a previous owner I don’t know why, is there any way to date the Flanders Flap? Thanks Owen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeyH Posted 3 November , 2017 Share Posted 3 November , 2017 Owen, No way to date the 'Flanders Flap', one of the replicas available is stamped J & P above the broad arrow which yours clearly is not. Another is sold by D.S Solutions Militaria, (check their website) this I suspect is the source of yours. They say that it differs in 'a single design change from the original'. to prevent it being passed off as an original. Am not aware what this detail is. Regards, Mike. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigjohn Posted 3 November , 2017 Share Posted 3 November , 2017 Looking at the flap it is a replica I have one and it doesn't fit flush to the muzzle as per your example. The spurious marks on it are J&P with an arrow under the &. John Mike you beat me to it:-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
depaor01 Posted 3 November , 2017 Share Posted 3 November , 2017 Never heard of a Flanders flap! Not hard to guess its purpose or the reason for the name... Interesting. Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pioneecorps Posted 3 November , 2017 Share Posted 3 November , 2017 You have a nice rifle Owen, picked my 1917 one up in 1996 for £80, I was at one time thinking of buying the repro Flanders flap. has for owning a FAC one, you have prove now that you need one IE Member of a FAC club, WW1 or WW2 reenactor, hunting etc. Regards Gerwyn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OwenMartin Posted 4 November , 2017 Author Share Posted 4 November , 2017 Thank for all the information my small Rifle collection is starting to grow, does anyone know the best ww1 Rifle to own? Thanks Owen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pioneecorps Posted 7 November , 2017 Share Posted 7 November , 2017 SMLE Regards Gerwyn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andy2014 Posted 10 January , 2018 Share Posted 10 January , 2018 Nice rifle, I am looking into getting one myself, just learning about them and what to look for? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wmfinch Posted 2 March , 2018 Share Posted 2 March , 2018 Andy, just read your request. My 1918 de-activated example, made by BSA cost me around £400 a couple of years ago. Try and find one with matching serial numbers and a nice patina is my advice....and get a de-activation certificate! V/R Wayne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OwenMartin Posted 10 May , 2018 Author Share Posted 10 May , 2018 Hi, I know I haven’t posted anything for a while but I’m trying to find out more about my SMLE. It’s dated 1918 the bolt unfortunately doesn’t match but the rifles Serial Number is 9243 and what looks like the letter U above it but I’m not sure if that’s just damage. I want to know if the rifle would have served in any conflict, I know it would have missed WW1 but would it have gone to any others? Thanks Owen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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