I had an SMLE delivered to me the other day with a rather unusual nose-cap. The rifle itself is a 1910 dated Mk111 which at some stage in it's career has had a new forestock added without the volley sight. The rear volley sight has been rather crudely cut off, leaving just the base of it to act as a washer in front of the safety catch. The replacement forestock is original WW1 era, and has the characteristic swelling to the left side just in front of the rear sight. All woodwork looks WW1 period.
The rifle came packed in a canvas bag with spare nosecap in the pocket. On inspection I noticed that the cut-outs just below the foresight ear protectors didn't exist on this cap. Closer examination also led me to believe that this was probably the one that was originally fitted to the rifle, the blueing on the other was far too deep a colour compared to the rest of the metalwork.
The only matching number's are the rear-sight, barrel and breech. The magazine is of the early-type with the side catch. There are also four inert rounds of 1914-dated ammunition. The butt contains a WW1 brass oil bottle and pull-through. The rifle is DP and also stamped 'F W 4.12' If anyone can enlighten me to what it may mean I would greatly appreciate it. Also anyone with any idea's about the butt-disc? All in all, a very interesting and well-used SMLE!
Harry,
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