SMLE IDENTIFICATION HELP

[Dylan Wilbur]

 

Hey yall first time poster here!

I picked this up a few days ago. I know it has been sporterized but I have wanted one of these for a long time. It was $170 out the door and surplus anything is cool to me

I dont know alot of there history and was hoping someone could shed some light on the markings, mfg date, and any other bits I should know. 

Any input is greatly appreciated!

[Terrylee]

Your rifle is what is known as a "Peddled Scheme Rifle". These were produced during the First World War as part of the effort to increase rifle production.  The main parts were manufactured by the Standard Small Arms Company with the rest being produced elsewhere.  The rifles were then assembled by Enfield.  In 1918 the company was taken over by the government and renamed The National Rifle Factory. The date of your rifle and the SSA stamping indicate  manufacture before the takeover. An interesting piece and in South Africa somewhat unusual. If the barrel has not been shortened should not be difficult to restore.   

[Dylan Wilbur]

Forgive me, your saying it was used in south Africa? How can you tell?

[Terrylee]

As a collector I was merely commenting upon the availability of these rifles where I happen to live!

[Dylan Wilbur]

Thank you terrylee!! Did they use unit markings on the smle to determine battles or conflicts it may have been used in?

 

[Terrylee]

The date of the rifle, its regimental markings and history of the regiment concerned may enable you to speculate on it's history. Further information concerning the rifle's origin may possibly narrow the field somewhat. The the best SMLE that I have in this respect, is a Mk I* marked to the Natal Light Horse. Since this regiment only existed during the WW I invasion of German South West Africa, I can be reasonably sure that it participated. The actual battles? Since there were several involving different parts of the regiment, this would be guesswork!

I have some earlier rifles marked to British regiments which were recovered from tribesmen in areas where the regiments concerned suffered defeats. These were possibly tribal trophies from the battles concerned, but here again nothing can be proved beyond doubt. 

[free1954]

On 16/11/2022 at 03:29, Terrylee said:

The date of the rifle, its regimental markings and history of the regiment concerned may enable you to speculate on it's history. Further information concerning the rifle's origin may possibly narrow the field somewhat. The the best SMLE that I have in this respect, is a Mk I* marked to the Natal Light Horse. Since this regiment only existed during the WW I invasion of German South West Africa, I can be reasonably sure that it participated. The actual battles? Since there were several involving different parts of the regiment, this would be guesswork!

I have some earlier rifles marked to British regiments which were recovered from tribesmen in areas where the regiments concerned suffered defeats. These were possibly tribal trophies from the battles concerned, but here again nothing can be proved beyond doubt. 

nice. what a great piece of history.