Enfield SMLE - East Kent Regiment

[BrodieBartfast]

Hello folks.

With the War & Peace Show looking increasingly unlikely this year, I decided to dip into my savings and buy something online instead (the virus hasn't figured out how to travel through the internet yet, but I'm sure it's only a matter of time at this rate).

This is the first WWI firearm I have ever owned - and hopefully not the last. I've wanted an example of the iconic 'Smelly' rifle for quite some time, and this one ticks all my boxes and then some. The rifle is dated to 1915, manufactured by the Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield. It has its original woodwork, and the bolt matches the receiver. As a Mk III, it retains its magazine cutoff plate. This feature was eliminated in the Mk III*, to simplify the manufacturing process. It has not been refurbished or refinished, as far as I can tell. It was also supposed to come with a bayonet, but never mind.

The real gem in this rifle's crown is the butt disc, which is regimentally marked to 7th Battalion of the East Kent Regiment, known colloquially as 'the Buffs'. It was formerly one of the oldest regiments in the British Army, with a history that can be traced back to 1572. It was amalgamated with the Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment in 1961, and from there underwent further amalgamations until finally ending up in its modern form, the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment.

This rifle is, of course, deactivated. I will not go into specifics as to the deactivation process, but suffice to say, it retains a fully functioning action, and can be 'cocked and clicked'.

I can see why these rifles are so popular with collectors. They really are a thing of beauty, both cosmetically and functionally!



Regards, B.B.

[Sensei]

A real beauty!

[Martin C]

Nice addition to the collection!


Mart

[oberhaig]

I have to point out, that although it is a very nice rifle, it has the later cocking piece fitted - easy to change

[BrodieBartfast]

Thanks, guys! I can't help but wonder what this rifle went through.

It's also noticeably lighter than my No.4, which surprised me.

B.B.

[Watchdog]

Nice piece Brodie
These are really iconic items having done so much service with so many "owners" over decades! The great thing about these too is that they usually have a plethora of stamped makers marks, proof marks, acceptance/possession marks that are almost like a CV to the well informed. Sadly I am not that much of a specialist so I usually have to look in books to translatet them
What I do know is that FTR stamped on the receiver means "Factory Through Repair" which is actually a full refurbishment (in one of the RSA Factories) from the ground up as it were that is meant to return a worn rifle to 80% new condition. So this one likely saw quite some use before that.

I don't know what the DD either side of the Broad arrow denotes but I would guess at Defence Department so not a British mark but being associated with the Broad Arrow perhaps a commonwealth state? Same with the arrow inside the 'D'.

I am sure someone here will know the answer!

Regards

Mark

[BrodieBartfast]

I have to point out, that although it is a very nice rifle, it has the later cocking piece fitted - easy to change

It's my understanding that the earlier circular cocking pieces were quite often replaced with the flat grooved ones later on in their service. After some quick Googling, it seems that this pattern of cocking piece was introduced in 1916, though many rifles did not receive replacements until much later on.

There is a broad arrow marking on the receiver, beneath a '24'. If I understand correctly, that may indicate the rifle was refurbished in 1924, which may have been when the later pattern cocking piece was fitted.

B.B.

[BrodieBartfast]

Found this site: The Broad Arrow Including Ministry Of Supply Markings

The 'DD' marking indicates Australian ownership. 'DD' stands for Department of Defence.

Regards, B.B.

[Watchdog]

Found this site: The Broad Arrow Including Ministry Of Supply Markings

The 'DD' marking indicates Australian ownership. 'DD' stands for Department of Defence.

Regards, B.B.

Thanks Brodie, I knew it wasn't Canada or New Zealnd so was leaning towards Australia but couldn't for the life of me recall the mark used!

Regards

Mark

[HARRY THE MOLE]

A nice rifle Brodie, as indeed is any 'Smelly.' The finest and fasted bolt-action rifle ever designed. But that rear sight is for a Mk111* - although it was likely changed when refurbished. The butt disc looks as though it doesn't belong to the rifle. A bit difficult to explain, but the circular cut-out for the disc tends to get rounded edges, with the disc sitting slightly lower through the passage of time. Aside from that, it is an absolute classic - and lethal in the right hands. Read up on how the British infantryman armed with the SMLE saved the day (and possible defeat) in their action at Nonne Bosche in November 1914. The situation was unbelievably dire, had the Germans broken through the line, the war would have been over.

Cheers,
Steve