Way OT - Need help with pricing this BSA

[1988rrc]

I am considering selling this BSA but I can not find any info on its current value, can anyone help?

[Pop Watts]

Hi there,
Not sure on pricing but that is an old BSA.
That must be late 1890 to early 1900 vintage by the shape of the bolt.
Looks like a long Lee that has been sporterised or commercially produced.
Is that a multi leaf rear sight??
I am sure that the value would be effected by any other maker or distributers name on the gun.
That is a great looking old rifle that I assume is a 303?
Pop.

[1988rrc]

It is a 3-leaf & ladder sight and it is a .303 cal.

[airedaleman]

Had a Lee -Speed rifle very similar to this that I bought in the mid-60's at Navy Arms for $25.00, one of a shipment of confiscated sporting arms from newly independent Kenya (if I remember correctly). These Lee-Metford based sporting rifles bring significant money these days...

It appears that the barrel on your rifle has been shortened. Most have barrels that are at least 26" long. Mine had a ribbed 26" barrel

[Molasses]

These Lee-Metford based sporting rifles bring significant money these days...

I'll say. Did some searching around on GunBroker a couple years ago when I had taken an idle interest in such and practically had to push my eyes back in their sockets. Guess the days of dealer priced sub $40 beater No1MkIII* imports had stuck in the back of my mind and affected what I expected to see for pricing.

[J Miller]

I need a drooling slobbering smiley for this one.

J e

[1988rrc]

airedaleman:
You wrote "It appears that the barrel on your rifle has been shortened. Most have barrels that are at least 26" long. Mine had a ribbed 26" barrel".

I found the following in the 1993 book by Ian Skennerton "The Lee-Enfield Story" on page 96.

This is referencing the Birmingham Small Arms Co. Ltd. 1909 Catalogue that describes military and sporting carbines:
"Other variations were illustrated and described. "For Officer's Use" and "Trade Pattern" with and without provision for bayonet, chequering of the fore-end and wrist, the B.S.A. Patent safety catch, and carbine or rifle style backsight. The Officer pattern has a 19-in. barrel whereas the Trade pattern has a 21-in. barrel. Overall lengths are listed in catalogues at 38 in. and 40 in. respectively."

My barrel is 21". I hope others will add to this.

[airedaleman]

airedaleman:
You wrote "It appears that the barrel on your rifle has been shortened. Most have barrels that are at least 26" long. Mine had a ribbed 26" barrel".

I found the following in the 1993 book by Ian Skennerton "The Lee-Enfield Story" on page 96.

This is referencing the Birmingham Small Arms Co. Ltd. 1909 Catalogue that describes military and sporting carbines:
"Other variations were illustrated and described. "For Officer's Use" and "Trade Pattern" with and without provision for bayonet, chequering of the fore-end and wrist, the B.S.A. Patent safety catch, and carbine or rifle style backsight. The Officer pattern has a 19-in. barrel whereas the Trade pattern has a 21-in. barrel. Overall lengths are listed in catalogues at 38 in. and 40 in. respectively."

My barrel is 21". I hope others will add to this.

That's really interesting! As I mentioned, I picked the Lee Speed out of a big shipping crate literally filled with greasy sporting rifles, mostly English. The best guns had already been culled out, cleaned, and were on sale in the upper level show room. My rifle had express sights and its magazine (which, if I remember correctly, was reduced capacity) was attached to the gun with a German silver chain that had a snap hook to allow its complete removal. Wish I still had it (along with another hundred and fifty-odd guns...)! Enjoy yours.

[KCSO]

I would guess $450-600 depending on the area and interest in Enfields. Here it would be a slow sell as there are few fellows who want an OLD SMELLY.

[model55]

There are a few guys on this forum who have been looking for one of those! I hate it when something comes up and my pockets are on EMPTY!