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LOT 3321
Exceptional Birmingham Small Arms Enfield Model L42A1 Bolt Action Sniper Rifle with Scope, Transport Case and Spotting Scope
- Serial no. D32562, 7.62 mm Nato (308) cal., 27 1/2 inch round bbl., black finish, hardwood stock. Developed in the 1960s and deployed in the 1970s, the Enfield L42A1 was an upgrade of the Number 4 Mark I (T) sniper rifle configured for use with 7.62x51 NATO ammunition, fitted with a high pressure bolt head and hammer forged target barrel. Additionally, Model 32 Mark III scopes were also upgraded to match the new caliber. About half of the approximately 900 rifles made were 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 “L42A1D71.” and “T”, “M47C/1944/G32562” (M47C is BSA Shirley factory code) 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/OS 2429 G.A./ No17502” with the original 32 MkIII markings correctly lined out, and the ring base marked “32562” to match the rifle. Smooth stock with the top of the wrist renumbered to match the scope, a raised cheekpiece, and brass buttplate. Included with the rifle is a green painted hardwood transport case, an extra scope mount, a green steel scope case hand painted to match both the scope and the rifle, green canvas sling, brown canvas rifle sleeve with black painted “ENGLAND”, manual, cleaning tools, and a World War I leather wrapped brass spotting telescope marked “TEL. SIG. (Mk IV) ALSO G.S./R. & J. BECK. Ltd/LONDON/1915/No17660” next to a broad arrow acceptance mark. This spotting scope is correct to accompany this rifle as there were various patterns of spotting scopes issued. Traditionally carried by the “observer” (or spotter) in a 2-man sniper team, the Scout Regiment scope provided a high power optic that was very useful for spotting enemy forces that were either camouflaged or concealed in deep foliage, which could potentially include enemy snipers. CONDITION: Extremely fine as arsenal overhauled, retaining 97% of the matte arsenal black finish, showing light wear and handling marks overall. The stock is also very fine as (arsenal) lightly sanded and re-oiled with some light handling marks. Both sets of optics are crisp, with the spotting scope exhibiting a pleasing golden aged patina, and the rifle scope retaining most of its black finish with a few areas of light flaking. The accessories are in fine order. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 4,500 - 7,000
LOT 3322
British M47C No. 4 Mk. I (T) Enfield Bolt Action Sniper Rifle with Scope, Scope Case, Transit Case - Serial no. A2636, 303 cal., 25 inch round bbl., blue/ green finish, hardwood stock. Dated 1944 on the butt socket, with “F.T.R.” and “TR” stamps added, this is a fine No. 4 Mk. I (T) sniper rifle. The 4Mk1(T) was Great Britain’s go-to military sniper rifle for World War II and the opening of the Cold War. Blade front and folding peep rear sights, the latter with the fixed battle sight properly cut off to accommodate the scope, and a pair of bases mounted to the left side of the receiver. A green paint overcoating has been applied to the front sight, barrel bands, receiver, trigger guard, magazine, and sling swivels. Matching numbers are present on the bolt, receiver, magazine and forearm, with non-matching scope numbers on top of the wrist. A raised cheekpiece has been mounted on the buttstock. The No. 32 Mk. 3 scope is marked with a blue paint “B” and numbered 20737, with leather lens caps, “198” and “199” marked rings and a “H/33394” marked ring base. The No. 8 Mk. I scope case is finished in green paint, and numbered to a different rifle and scope. The No. 15 Mk. I transit chest is painted green with white-stenciled nomenclature markings, black stenciled Interarmco markings, and proper internal spacers and inventory list. Also included with the lot is a copy of the August 2020 issue of Man at Arms magazine, which includes an article discussing the sight configuration on the Enfield Sniper. CONDITION: Very fine overall with 90% plus of the arsenal blue/black finish on the metal which has been over painted with olive drab camouflage paint. The scope and mount retain 95% of its original blue finish overall with clear sharp markings and optics. The rear buttstock is in very fine condition with a nice dark brown oil type finish with minimal handling marks on the sides. The forestock and top handguards have all been arsenal refurbished/sanded with light marking have a light varnish overall. The metal scope can is also very fine with most of an arsenal refurbished green paint and the storage chest is in fine condition green painted exterior with clear markings, however there is a very noticeable crack starting in the lid. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500
LOT 3323 Rare Canadian Ross Model 1905-1910 Match Target Straight Pull Bolt Action Rifle - Serial no. 7674, 280 Ross cal., 30 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. Fitted with a block for attaching a target front sight and a bracket for a tang sight to the heel of the stock. The barrel, frame, and bolt are all polished bright. The receiver is marked “Ross Rifle Co. Quebec, Canada. 1905/PATENTED. Barrel marked at the chamber with British proofs and “.280 ROSS/PROVED 22 TONS/WEIGHT OF BARREL 22685 GRS/ MADE IN CANADA”. Mounted in a walnut pistol grip stock with forend finger groove. CONDITION: Very fine, with patches of light spotting. The stock is fine with handling marks, and some scattered dings. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 2,500 - 4,500
SIMILAR EXAMPLE PICTURED & DESCRIBED IN THE ROSS RIFLE STORY BY PHILLIPS, DUPUIS & CHADWICK
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