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LOT 3430
Very Scarce Irish Contract Winchester Pattern 14 No. 3. Mk I* (T) Bolt Action Sniper Rifle
with Matching Number BSA Scope - Serial no. W217367, 303 British cal., 26 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut
stock. This is a very fine example of a scarce Winchester Pattern 14 sniper rifle fitted with BSA Model 1918 Telescopic Sight. This is one of
approximately 75 Pattern 14 MK I*W(T) rifles that were arsenal refurbished by the British for the Irish Free State during the early 1930s. The Irish Pattern 14 sniper
rifles were never actually issued for use during World War II with most being sold as surplus in the United States by the Irish government during the 1950s. The back side of the rear
scope mount has the distinctive circled “FF” Irish Free State marking, and the telescopic sight tube is stamped with the three stacked rifles trademark above “B.S.A.” on top, the matching serial
number “217367” on the left, with the rear eyepiece marked “1918/MODEL”. The long range aperture sight on the receiver and left of the forearm were likely 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 “W217367” is panta-graphed on the right of the rear sight protector. Matching serial number “217367” on the
bolt handle. Winchester “W” markings on the inside of the buttplate trap door, bolt handle, bayonet lug, and front sight. The British “Broad Arrow” property mark is on the receiver, and British proof and inspection marks are on the
receiver and bolt handle. Includes a tan canvas sling and leather lens caps.
CONDITION: Very fine with 85% of the arsenal refurbished blue finish remaining overall, with scattered light pitting underneath the finish. The brass components on the scope retain 70% of their black painted exterior finish
collectively, and the scope has slightly hazy optics. The refinished stock is very good, having been lightly sanded overall at the time of the conversion. Mechanically excellent. A very scarce Irish contract Pattern 14 Mk I* W (T) sniper
rifle with the 1918 pattern sniper scope.
Estimate: 7,500 - 9,000
LOT 3429
French MAS Model 1918
Semi-Automatic Carbine with Bayonet - Serial no. F2919,
8 mm Lebel cal., 23 1/2 inch round bbl., blue finish, hardwood stock. Initially
manufactured as a Model 1917 RSC and converted c. 1919, with the “8” in the model
designation added over a “7”. Introduced shortly after the end of World War I, the Model 1918 RSC rifle was
designed as a direct upgrade from the Model 1917 Rifle. Chief among expressed concerns of the latter
was the very long length of the rifle (less than ideal when fighting in and among trenches) and the lack of
compatibility between Model 1917 RSC and Model 1916 Berthier stripper clips, which were in simultaneous
use by French forces. The Model 1918 addressed both of these issues, while also incorporating a number
of minor adjustments and upgrades over the original Model 1917 design, including an extra retention tab
added to the magazine cover and a sliding dust cover assembly for the charging handle recess added to
the receiver. Features fixed barleycorn front and adjustable folding ladder rear sights, the manufacturer
name, “1919” date, and modified model designation mark on the left of the receiver, “N” stamp on top of the
receiver indicating service past 1931, along with “S” and “F” marked safety positions. Matching visible serial numbers on the
bolt cover and left side of the buttstock. Includes a leather sling, an M1886/15 pattern spike bayonet, and metal scabbard.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine as arsenal updated and refurbished, retaining 85% plus blue finish with some light edge wear,
scattered light handling marks, some freckling/spotting, and mostly clear markings. The wood is fine with scattered dings and
compression marks. Mechanically excellent. The bayonet is very good.
Estimate: 8,500 - 13,000