British ~ BSA SMLE Mk III Rifle ~ .303 British

This BSA SMLE Mk III was made in 1916 and is in very good overall condition with serial number B33674. The bore has strong rifling throughout and is shiny with some spots of light oxidation in some of the grooves. The metal retains an estimated 60 to 70% of the arsenal applied original blue finish. The remainder of the metal has toned to a gray and brown with light handling marks and the remnants of some old oxidation as lightly cleaned with an added finish. There are some filler-repaired moderate dings ahead of the lower barrel bands and handling marks have softened from the years. The brass buttplate is proud of the stock and showing some more moderate wear and impact marks. The stock is very faintly numbered behind the stacking swivel, however, from years of use and cleaning, the number is now illegible. The metal markings are intact and clear. The barrel was replaced in 1940 with the expected HV / SC stamping and numbered to the rifle. The rear sight and bayonet lug are numbered 88674 which may likely be a factory error when back in the arsenal. The bolt is renumbered 154. The receiver is import marked by CAI. The rifle appears to function well mechanically and includes one magazine.