SSMLE MkIII*

[A-R]

Are these very collectable or valuable? Lately the SMLE bug has been biting and I am slowly looking around for them.

In good to new condition, they may be collectable, depending of your collection theme of field. However, collectable does not automatically equal valuable. A super rare variant, say an original No 5 "jungle carbine", may have a higher Rand value. Most models of the Lee Enfield are pretty prolific in SA and other British colonies. Value is mostly determined by barrel condition.

Adding modifications generally does not change the value, just move the rifle from "original condition" to "affordable shooter" status.

The Shorty conversion of a No1 Mk111* has about the same value as a standard rifle in the same condition.

If I was collecting 303Br or Lee Enfield rifles, the Shorty would certainly be able to find a place in my collection, simply because of it's uniqueness.

[Terrylee]

If I was collecting 303Br or Lee Enfield rifles, the Shorty would certainly be able to find a place in my collection, simply because of it's uniqueness.[/QUOTE]


A very interesting opinion, since most of the serious Lee Enfield collectors that I've come across have priorities based on chronological variations and the original configuration of examples found.

[janfred]

A modified rifle would not have the same value to a collector. Maybe a hunter that want to use Boer War rifles to hunt. I do not know any collector of Lee Enfields, Boer War rifles or english battle rifles that would pay one cent for a shortened No1 Mk III*.

Remember, the No1 MkIII* was a mass-produced rifle manufactured by the lowest bidder, usually with crooked barrels and overlarge chambers. They worked, but were not precision instruments. Let's face it, of all the Lee Enfields in existence, the No1 MkIII* is probably the worst in accuracy, cost and ease of manufacture. The only reason there are so many of them in existence is because the factories were already tooled up for them when the war broke out.

Unless the modifications were done by the MOD, the rifle is not worth much more than an inaccurate hunting rifle.

[Terrylee]

A South African SMLE Collection.

1.jpg
Mks I, I* & II
2.jpg
Mks III, III* & IV
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Skeletonised, Mks V & VI