SOLD - Rare 1896 Lee Enfield Mk 1 Cavalry Carbine

Description

10/24/22 - This is a nice example of a rare Lee Enfield Mk 1 Cavalry Carbine. Approved in 1896, the Lee-Enfield carbine was a great improvement on the Martini-Henry. It had a box magazine containing six rounds and had a smooth bolt-action, but in the Boer War (1899-1902) it was opposed by Mauser carbines, which were clip-fed rather than having the rounds loaded by hand. In action it was slower and less accurate than the Mauser. As a result of this war experience, all carbines were replaced by the Short Magazine Lee-Enfield, the universal rifle, in 1903. This one is all matching and comes with its original leather rear sight hood. These were designed to keep the rear sight from snagging on the holsters that fastened to the horse. This particular gun is all matching and has the proper British military acceptance proofs throughout. It also has the proper Enfield stamp on the right side of the butt stock. There is not a ton of actual finish loss, but there is noticeable brown patina covering all of the metal parts. Some wear around the muzzle and rear barrel band. The stock shows age - dings, dents, and bruises throughout. There is a repaired crack on the upper hand guard. Very nice bore. The magazine is missing its original capture ring.