Lee-Speed or Frankenrifle? |
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SteelFlint
Senior Member Joined: November 03 2018 Location: Vancouver, BC Status: Offline Points: 100 |
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Posted: November 04 2018 at 2:41pm |
Hey Everyone!
Newbie to Enfield rifles! I came across what I think is a possible BSA/LSA commercial Lee but not certain. Have no papers nor known provenance - and, in breaking my own rules - the rifle while in shooting condition (bright bore clean with possible Metford rifling or just really worn one or the other lol) has no serial numbers of any kind that I can tell. It does have "S" and "A" punched on several components, plus this interesting engraving on the wrist that I've never seen before: And on the trigger guard: Does anyone recognize? The bolt assembly does have a rough crowns over E's, but no other crowns/crosses/inspector marks anywhere else on the rifle; these appear to be RSAF proofing what I can tell, but I'm told bolt change outs are not uncommon (not 100% but don't think original Lee Speeds had ball/sphere bolt handles). Will send more pics of the guts when I can. All help appreciated! Cheers |
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englishman_ca
Senior Member Joined: September 08 2009 Location: Almaguin Status: Offline Points: 1089 |
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,Itsa bitza.
It has an Enfield made receiver that is EFD marked under the wood line mounted with a Lee Speed barrel and wood set. The wrist has been scrubbed of the martial markings and engraving applied. In every way a very nice rifle, but not an original factory build. But it is still a classic and is a great hunting rifle. Metford rifling has seven grooves, Enfield has five, if that helps.
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. Look to your front, mark your target when it comes! |
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SteelFlint
Senior Member Joined: November 03 2018 Location: Vancouver, BC Status: Offline Points: 100 |
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Thanks Englishman!! Damn, I was really really hoping this was some cool edition that came out of the Canadian Small Arms Ltd. made for some wealthy dude who wanted everything customized and hence the lack of markings. But then the chronology would be wrong I suppose.
Accepting that she's a Frankenrifle - all good. What do you guys think consensus valuation is for something like this (in Canadian dollars)? I will have more questions to ask for sure! Thanks again.
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englishman_ca
Senior Member Joined: September 08 2009 Location: Almaguin Status: Offline Points: 1089 |
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It could well have been made for some wealthy dude. My comments were not meant to denigrate the rifle. It is a beauty!
It was quite common for high end sporting rifles to be built up on a receiver for a customer by some pretty high end English gun makers. Just that in this case, the rifle has a reworked ex-military receiver. It would be interesting if one could find out as to when this one was built, who put it together and for whom? Value? It should be up there with other unmarked 'Lee Speed' style Lees. This is a well built rifle by somebody who knew what they were doing. As it lacks any civilian proofs, it would suggest it was not built and sold in the UK. |
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. Look to your front, mark your target when it comes! |
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Canuck
Special Member Donating Member Joined: January 17 2012 Location: Agassiz BC Status: Offline Points: 3535 |
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Welcome to the site from here in Agassiz, BC.
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Castles made of sand slip into the sea.....eventually
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SteelFlint
Senior Member Joined: November 03 2018 Location: Vancouver, BC Status: Offline Points: 100 |
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Thanks gents!
I seem to recall some old movie whereby buddy had a special power to tell the history of any inanimate object by merely touching it. This ranks highly on my list of preferred superhero abilities ha. Let me tear it down more fully this weekend, will forward more pics and look to the power of the internet for the story I'm after, whatever ending it may take lol.
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SteelFlint
Senior Member Joined: November 03 2018 Location: Vancouver, BC Status: Offline Points: 100 |
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BTW not feeling denigrated at all, she feels very "gentleman rifle" to me irrespective of provenance. And the weekend "Ghost and the Darkness" movie night totally helped of course!
Was just hoping someone would jump up and say "hey! That is the Royal Marque of...x". Ha. Maybe I'll find a proper Picasso at the next garage sale/gun show! Cheers.
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Honkytonk
Senior Member Joined: December 30 2017 Location: Brandon Mb Status: Offline Points: 4770 |
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Welcome from Brandon, Manitoba, Canada!
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42rocker
Senior Member Joined: October 07 2018 Location: Tampa area,Fla Status: Offline Points: 458 |
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Welcome and it's a very interesting piece. Enjoy Later 42rocker
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Pukka Bundook
Senior Member Joined: February 02 2015 Location: Canada Status: Offline Points: 1369 |
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Some overall photos would be appreciated, Steelflint!
Welcome from Mid west Alberta!
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SteelFlint
Senior Member Joined: November 03 2018 Location: Vancouver, BC Status: Offline Points: 100 |
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Wow nice seems like we have a lot of fellow Canucks on this board! Thanks for the warm welcome guys!
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SteelFlint
Senior Member Joined: November 03 2018 Location: Vancouver, BC Status: Offline Points: 100 |
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Hey guys thanks for the welcomes, I've copied this thread over to the main Enfield thread under "Unmarked Lee Speed". Thanks for all help to date!
Cheers!!
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