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LOT 3420
Scarce and Exceptional BSA Shirley Model L42A1 Lee-Enfield Bolt Action Sniper Rifle with Scope and Transport Case - Serial no.
AS7744, 7.62x51mm NATO (308) cal., 27 1/2 inch round bbl., black finish, hardwood stock. Manufactured in 1945 by BSA Shirley, Enfield
upgraded as an L42A1 sniper in 1971. Approximately 900 to just over 1,000 (sources vary) L42A1 sniper rifles were made at Enfield between
1970-1971, and used in British military service between 1970-1990, where they saw use in the Dhofar Rebellion, The Troubles in Northern
Ireland, the Falklands War, the Lebanese Civil War, and the Gulf War. The L42A1 was an upgrade of the No. 4 Mark I (T) sniper rifle configured
for use with 7.62x51 NATO ammunition, and fitted with a high pressure bolt head and hammer forged target barrel. Additionally, No. 32 Mk III scopes were
also upgraded to match the new caliber. About half of the rifles made were reportedly condemned and destroyed post-service by the Ministry of Defense.
Blade front and ladder rear sights, the former properly lacking the fixed “battle sight” to accommodate the scope, with the receiver marked “L.42A1D71.” (1971
Enfield overhauled) and “T”, “M47C/1945/AS7744” (M47C BSA Shirley factory code, 1945 dated) above “TR” on the socket, and “19T” on top of the extractor assembly and bolt
handle. The scope body is finished in black and marked “1240-99-963-2063/TEL.STRT.STG.L1A1/OS2429GA/No24052” surrounding the original markings “TEL.STG.No32Mk 3/
OS 2039 A” correctly lined out, and the ring base numbered to match the rifle. Smooth stock with a raised cheekpiece and brass buttplate. Import marking on bottom of barrel.
Included with the rifle is a green painted hardwood transport case with L42A1 label on the underside of the lid, a green steel scope case hand painted to match both the scope and the rifle,
“CC/1942” marked brown leather sling, leather scope lens covers, and cleaning tools.
CONDITION: Extremely fine, retains 97% matte black arsenal finish, showing light wear and handling marks. Stock is very fine, with some light handling marks. Mechanically excellent. Scope is very fine,
retains 95% black finish with a few areas of light flaking, and crisp clear optics. Case is fine.
Estimate: 6,500 - 9,500
LOT 3421
Outstanding World War II Canadian Long Branch No. 4 Mk I* (T) Lee-Enfield Bolt
Action Sniper Rifle with Matching Scope - Serial no. 90L8143, 303 British cal., 25 inch round bbl., blue
finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in Canada by Long Branch of Ontario, this is an absolutely outstanding 1945
production Long Branch SMLE No. 4 Mk I* (T) sniper rifle. These rifles were used by both the British and Canadian armies during
World War II and the Korean War. The rifle correctly has a rear sight without battle aperture that was fitted to British and Canadian No. 4
Mk I* (T) sniper rifles along with the distinctive quick detachable telescopic sight mount. The left of the receiver is marked “No 4 Mk I*T/
LONG BRANCH/1945”. The serial number, “90L8143” is marked on the left of the receiver stock socket and on the rear of the bolt handle.
“265 C” stamped on top of the stock wrist area matching numbered to the scope, with small stamps on the bottom of the wrist area as
well as the bottom front of the forend area. “TEL.STG.C NO.32 MK.3/C O S 2039A/R.E.L. CANADA/265-C/(broad arrow)” marked on top of
the scope tube. The scope mount is matching numbered to the rifle with “90L8143” on the left. It is complete with a set of leather scope
lens covers.
CONDITION: Excellent overall, nearly as issued, retains 98% plus original Canadian wartime blue finish, attractive rich original oil finish
on the stock with minimal handling evidence and distinct edges and stampings overall. Mechanically excellent. Scope is also excellent,
retains 97% original blue finish and 98% original black painted finish with a few patches of minor freckling, and crisp clear optics. This
outstanding example of a Canadian Long Branch No. 4 Mk I* (T) sniper rifle would be nearly impossible to improve upon!
Estimate: 7,000 - 11,000