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LOT 3408
Very Scarce World War II Australian Military Birmingham Small Arms SMLE No.1 Mk III* H.T. Bolt
Action Sniper Rifle with 1918 Pattern High Mount Scope -
Serial no. 55216, 303 British cal., 25 inch round bbl., gray finish, hardwood stock. This is a very scarce example of a World War II issued Australian No. 1 Mk III* H.T. (Heavy Target) high mount sniper rifle that
was arsenal refurbished/assembled in 1944. The Australian Army never converted over to the No. 4 Mk 1 rifles and instead continued to use these earlier pattern No. 1 Mk III* rifles. Reportedly, there were approximately
1,250 of these high mount sniper rifles assembled during late World War II at the Lithgow factory. This rifle is accompanied
by a letter from the Australian War Memorial that indicates it was assembled into sniper configuration at the Lithgow
factory on February 12th, 1945. It is fitted with a World War I 1918 pattern sniper scope with 3x magnification. The scope
is attached via a set of claw mounted high turret scope bases that use a double claw front mount and a single claw offset
rear mount. The rifle is fitted with a heavyweight “target type barrel”, as developed after World War I by the Australian
shooting clubs. These heavy pattern barrels can be identified by a capital letter “H” stamped on top of the knox form of the
barrel. The stock socket is marked with a crown above “E.R” over “BSACo/1909./ShtLE/III.” Coach wood stock and handguard
set. An “H” is stamped on top of the stock wrist, and the top of the buttstock is fitted with a cheekpiece secured with two screws. The 1918 pattern
scope is marked “SIGHT TELESCOPIC./PATT.1918 (AUST.)/A.O.C./V.” and “1944./D(broad arrow)D” on the tube. The scope has an elevation dial graduated “1-10” (100- 1000 meters) and features a post and crosshair reticle. Includes muzzle cover.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 85% arsenal refurbished gray finish overall with some areas of light brown patina. Scope is good, exhibits brown patina mixed with traces of arsenal refurbished blue finish and scattered light to moderate pitting on the tube, and clear optics. Stock is very fine as arsenal refinished, with a few light handling marks, and defined edges. Mechanically excellent. A very scarce World War II Australian Military BSA SMLE No.1 Mk III* high mount sniper rifle.
Estimate: 7,000 - 9,000
World War II British BSA No. 4 Mk I (T) Enfield Bolt Action Sniper Rifle with Scope, Rifle Sleeve and Mk III Compass - Serial no. X30017, 303 cal., 25 inch round bbl., black finish, hardwood stock. This BSA manufactured No. 4 Mk. I (T) Enfield Sniper rifle is fitted with a No. 32 Mk. I scope. “M47C/1945/TR/X30017” marked on the left of the stock socket, with “ENGLAND” stamped over top of the “M47C”. The comb of the stock has a hardwood cheekpiece held on with two wood screws. Standard blade front sight and “N67” marked ladder rear sight with the peep correctly removed. The correct British acceptance proofs are located on the underside of the stock at the wrist. Matching serial number “30017” marked on the underside of the forend and on the bolt handle. The scope is marked “TEL STG./No32 MkI/H.F.M. Co OS.466A/ REGd. No4770” on the tube, it has the standard post and cross-hair reticle pattern, and is fitted in a cast scope mount marked “JG” on the left. Includes a tan canvas rifle soft case, tan canvas double ammunition pouch, four stripper clips holding twenty rounds of “CP/1942/VII” headstamped .303 ammunition, “1943” dated T.G. Co. Ltd. Mk III compass, reproduction brown leather scope covers, and “1918” dated U.S. M1907 leather sling. CONDITION: Very fine, retains 70% wartime arsenal applied blackened oil finish with a few small areas of light pitting. Wood is very fine with defined edges, some light handling marks, and crisp stampings. Mechanically excellent. Scope is very good with slightly cloudy but serviceable optics. Included compass is also good but does not properly function.
LOT 3409
Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500 225