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LOT 330
Very Scarce British Contract Winchester Pattern 14 No. 3. Mk I* (T) Bolt Action Sniper Rifle with Scope - Serial no. 176770, 303 British cal., 26 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. This is a scarce Winchester Pattern 14 No. 3 Mk I* (T) sniper rifle with a Periscopic Prism Co. Ltd. Model 1918 telescopic sight. Approximately 2,080 of these Winchester Pattern 14 sniper rifles were manufactured c. 1918, originally intended for use in the Great War although the signing of the Armistice occurred right before these sniper rifles were approved for service and able to make it to the front. The long range aperture sight on the receiver and left of the forearm were removed during the sniper conversion. The rifle serial number was covered by the front scope mount as part of the sniper modification, and the serial number “176770” is panta-graphed on the right of the rear sight protector. Matching
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serial number “*/176770” on the bolt handle. Winchester “W” markings on the inside of the buttplate trap door, bolt handle, bayonet lug, front sight and end of the stock forearm. The British “Broad Arrow” property mark is on the receiver, and British proof and inspection marks are on the receiver and bolt handle. The telescopic sight is roll-stamped with a broad arrow above “1918/MODEL” on the eye-piece, and “PERISCOPIC PRISM CO. LTD/MAKERS LONDON” on top of the scope tube. The original serial number “179835” on the scope tube has been lined out, and is renumbered “168063”. JMA import marked on the bottom of the barrel. CONDITION: Very fine with 80% arsenal refurbished blue finish, light wear overall with smooth brown patina on the balance, and the bolt arsenal polished bright on the body. Stock is also very fine with some scattered dings and light handling marks. The scope is very fine, retaining 85% arsenal refurbished blue finish on the tube with scattered spotting, and crisp clear optics. Mechanically excellent. A very scarce example of a British Winchester Pattern 14 No.3 Mk I* (T) sniper rifle that would make a fine addition to any British military or sniper rifle collection. Estimate: 11,000 - 16,000
Exceptional World War II British BSA No. 4 Mk I (T) Enfield Bolt Action Sniper Rifle with Scope - Serial no. G35907, 303 British cal., 25 inch round bbl., black/blue finish, hardwood stock. This BSA manufactured No. 4 Mk I (T) Enfield Sniper rifle is fitted with a No. 32 Mk I scope and mount. “M47C/1944/G35907” marked on the left of the stock socket. The comb of the stock has a hardwood cheekpiece held on with two wood screws. Standard blade front sight and absent rear sight. “SL” stamped on bottom of the stock behind the trigger guard area. Matching serial number “G/35907” above a British broad arrow acceptance mark and “S.L” stamped on the bottom of the forend. Matching serial number “G35907” also marked on the bolt handle and magazine. “15875” (7 stamped on top of another number) stamped on top of the buttstock at the wrist. The scope is marked “TEL. STG. No 32 Mk I/OS.1650A/REGd No 10760” above a broad arrow on the tube, and it has the standard post and cross-hair reticle pattern, and is fitted in a cast scope mount numbered “G35933” on the left (very close to the serial number of the rifle, likely assembled this way). Includes a 1941 dated M. Harvey & Co. Ltd. brown leather sling, and reproduction brown leather scope lens covers. CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 90% 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 fine, with 90% original blue finish on the tube with a few small patches of light surface corrosion, 80% original black painted finish on the dial base and sunshade, with crisp clear optics. Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
LOT 331