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Enfield Identification Question

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Jrayburn View Drop Down
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    Posted: March 08 2021 at 7:11pm


This is one of the WW2 rifles that has been passed down & I’m attempting to research as much as I can them. My question pertains to the initials underneath the crown. At first I assumed it was Edward VII seal but it is not. The only seal it does resemble is Elizabeth II but that does not fit the timeline in which this gun was manufactured. I’ve tried searching based off the characteristics of the seal but to no avail. I’ve also heard a theory that it may be from where it was produced. I’ve seen several SMLE mark III with different initials underneath the crown. I was wondering if anyone could enlighten me?
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WilliamS View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote WilliamS Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 08 2021 at 11:22pm
That is a pre-WWI SMLE MkI***, produced in 1904 at the Brimingham Small Arms Company. The crown on British small arms is either a King's crown or Queen's crown depending on who is monarch at the time; the initials of the monarch are inscribed below. It is not however a seal, the same crown will be found on rifles made under Edward VII and George V for example.  In 1904, that is indeed a King's crown and E.R. for Edwardius Rex, Dei Gratia Britanniarum et terrarum transmarinarum quae in ditione sunt Britannica Rex, Fidei Defensor, Indiae Imperator - aka Edward VII, King of England and Emperor of India.

Your rifle was initially produced as a MkI. Pictures of the rest of the rifle would help determine if there are any unique features that survived rebuilds. Around 1914 it would have been updated to the MkI*** standard including altering the sights for the MkVII ball ammunition. If the rifle has an old serial number struck out and a new one with an ER, CR or G prefix added, it is one of the batch of SMLE MkI*** rifles sent to the fledgling Republic of Ireland in 1922. Most of the MkIs in the US come from this batch, and each of the different prefixes had a slightly different configuration. 
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Jrayburn View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Jrayburn Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 09 2021 at 6:24am
Thanks for that answer! I’m completely new to looking into these guns. I appreciate you taking the time out. Here’s some more pictures of the gun. I also have a video that shows every little characteristic & etching but cannot post here
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Shamu Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 09 2021 at 8:23am
The correct term for the "crown" is a "Royal Cypher"
Don't shoot till you see the whites of their thighs. (Unofficial motto of the Royal Air Force)
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote A square 10 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 09 2021 at 9:02pm
what WilliamS and shamu gave you is correct and your photos confirm it is in fact a no1 mkI*** - pre WWI rifle in full military ---except i cannot see its volleys , they should be there , i think i can make out the bolt hear half of the charger bridge , but im not certain on the rear sight yet it seems there , the rear handguard is correct , and the nose piece/bayonet boss is correct , 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote WilliamS Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 09 2021 at 11:21pm
Originally posted by Shamu Shamu wrote:

The correct term for the "crown" is a "Royal Cypher"

Thanks - I plead exhaustion! Couldn't for the life of me remember what the right term was.

Looks like you have an ER-prefixed MkI***. This rifle was sent to Ireland in 1922 in the MkI*** configuration without further alterations. It does appear that you may be missing the sliding charger guide - is there a bit on the bolt head that moves loosely? Otherwise you appear appear be in good shape if the volleys are there. Can't see them from this side of the rifle.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote hoadie Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 10 2021 at 5:24am
Flip the RIFLE over & take more pics, if you can.
As well, does the serial numbers on your RIFLE all match?

I'm not sure if this vintage of RIFLE has the cut-off or not..methinks it should.
Loose wimmen tightened here
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote A square 10 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 10 2021 at 6:18am
it should , a photo from above bolt as well please 
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