Short Magazine Lee-Enfield No 1 Mk III* Rifle

The SMLE No 1 Mk III* rifle is a manually operated, rotating bolt action magazine fed rifle. The rifle is made from ordnance steel and has a full wood stock. The staggered column magazine holds 10 rounds of ammunition. The rotating bolt has two rear locking lugs that lock into the rear of the receiver. The bolt head with the extractor is a separate, non-rotating unit, screwed into the bolt body. The safety is located at the rear left side of the receiver. The sights are a combination of a barleycorn front and V-notch adjustable rear sight, mounted on the barrel. The SMLE has a semi-pistol grip, a steel buttplate with a trapdoor and a compartment in the butt for tools and cleaning equipment. A flat-nosed forend covers the barrel up to the muzzle and has a bayonet lug forward under the muzzle for bayonet mounting. A small brass disc inset (missing) is located into the right side of the butt stock. Markings – INDIAN CROWN (Rifle factory Ishapore) 5561, HT LE III*; INDIAN PROOF CYPHERS.

This rifle was captured in Afghanistan and placed on a plinth as the centrepiece for the ANZAC Day 2006 ceremony at Camp Russell, Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan.