Make: Enfield, England

Model: ShtLE No.1 MK. III

Serial Number: 3876A

Year of Manufacture: 1917

Caliber: .303 British

Action Type: Bolt action, single shot rifle fed by detachable magazines.

Markings: The top of the receiver is marked with the broad arrow proofs and, “3876A”. The right side of the receiver is marked with a CAI import mark. The stock collar is marked, “G.R. ENFIELD ShtLE III” on the right and has a 1928 refurbish proof. The bolt handle is non-matched. The forend cap is marked, “MA41 / D69857”. There are various small proofs throughout.

Barrel Length: 25.2”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bladed post set on a ramped base and between two protective wings. The rear sight is a V-notch sliding escalator assembly marked out to 20.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a four piece set with a capped forend/bayonet lug, stacking ring, barrel band w/ sling loop, straight wrist, straight comb, stock disc & sling loop, and brass buttplate. There are scratches and pressure dents throughout. The top handguard piece is cracked. There are no chips. The LOP measures 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Good overall condition as refinished.

Magazine Quantity & Condition: 1x 10rd detachable magazine in Good Condition.

Type of Finish: Black Paint

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is deep. There is moderate erosion in the bore with light spots of pitting. In this writer's opinion, this bore rates 6.5/10.

Many military and C&R eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide. For example, the U.S. used corrosive ammunition throughout WWII. The U.S. military did not begin to phase out corrosive-primed ammunition until the 1950s.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. There are small chips, scratches, and small nicks throughout, however this rifle still retains most of its finish. The bolt appears to be bead blasted. The action has light wear. The screw heads show moderate to heavy use. The markings are faded and worn in spots. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition as refinished.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: One magazine, leather sling.

Our Assessment: This Enfield ShtLE No. 1 Mk III, manufactured in 1917, is one of the most iconic and historically significant bolt-action service rifles of the 20th century. Built at Enfield, England, this rifle saw service with the British and Commonwealth forces during World War I and was renowned for its robust construction, fast cycling action, and high magazine capacity. The Short Magazine Lee-Enfield (SMLE) design was tailored for trench warfare and remains one of the fastest-operating bolt-action rifles ever issued to infantry. This example is marked with broad arrow proofs, a G.R. Enfield stock collar, and a 1928 refurbish date, indicating that it continued its service well after WWI. With its 25.2-inch barrel, ten-round magazine, and classic V-notch ladder sight, this rifle exemplifies the utility and enduring legacy of the SMLE series. This rifle has undergone refinishing, retaining approximately 90% of its black painted metal finish, with only minor wear and scattered handling marks. The bead-blasted bolt and mismatched serial numbers on parts such as the bolt and forend cap suggest it was assembled from available components during various refurbishments, which was common for British arms maintained in service for decades. The four-piece wood stock set shows expected signs of field use, including pressure dents, scratches, and a crack in the upper handguard, but remains solid overall. The bore is gray with deep rifling, though it exhibits moderate erosion and light pitting—typical for a military rifle of this vintage, especially one that likely saw service through multiple eras of corrosive ammunition.

For collectors of British military arms, fans of WWI and WWII firearms, or those seeking a functional and historic C&R-eligible bolt-action rifle, this 1917 Enfield SMLE Mk III is a compelling example. Its wartime production, postwar refurbish history, and classic military styling make it a great piece for display, historical appreciation, or careful range use. As one of the most successful and longest-serving military rifles ever produced, the SMLE Mk III remains a cornerstone of any military surplus collection.