SMLE from 1915

[cdalby]

I have a no.1 mkIII* SMLE from 1915. marked G.R. with the crown, and B.S.A.
highest price I have found so far is $300 for comparable rifles.
All wood looks to be in very good condition, butI don't see any stock cartouches, any ideas about what it's worth?

 

[Legion489]

If I was to get $300 for one of my No. 1 MK III* rifles (mine lack the magazine cut off that swings out to the side, but they are easily available if I really wanted one) I would sell in a heart beat.

All of mine have cartouches and other marks on the stock and they should have a small stamp just behind the trigger guard for the stock length. If your stock lacks any of the proper markings for an issued gun then there is a good chance it was either refinished or restocked.

 

[Robert]

$300- $400 would not be bad. Had I the money I'd make you and offer.

 

[cdalby]

thanks for the reply.
I'm thinking it has probably had the stock replaced.
before I took it to the gun show I wanted to have a general idea of what to ask for it.

 

[Jim K]

The British did use some stock markings at times, but they didn't use the "cartouche" inspection and acceptance mark like the U.S. did.

Jim

 

[AlexanderA]

I've seen them at gun shows around here (northern Virginia) for up to $600. Don't know if they actually move at that price.

I thought the difference between the Mark III and the Mark III* was the absence of the magazine cutoff in the latter.

 

[Legion489]

I was at the local gunshow and saw guns at prices that made "Are you out of your MIND or merely STUPID?!" seem reasonable. One guy had a case of .223 (500 rds) for $495!!! ***?! No, I didn't see any of it SELL, and I sure didn't buy any! There is a HUGE disconnect between asking price and what actually sells for what.

 

[cdalby]

Yes it seems folks are making the most of ammo shortages. The gun show I would have taken the rifle to was "at capacity" before 11am. I wonder how many locals that normally attend the show were boxed out by the swarm? I didn't really want to sell the rifle that badly, but times are tight... maybe I should sell off some of my ammo