Unique English Lee Enfield Ishapore Model 1917 Mark III Short Magazine Bolt Action Sniper Rifle. Marked on the metal connector above the trigger between the receiver and the stock: "G.R.I. Ishapore 1917 SHT LE III*." Further marks throughout, including later English import marks, and an anti-aircraft sight affixed to the top. This piece was likely modified at some point during the First World War, as all pieces made at the Indian factory were of the original covered-barrel design, with only a few thousand modified by the Australians and a handful of other British subjects for use during conflict, making this potentially a very rare piece. Due to their ease of use, high quality, and outstanding durability, these are highly sought collectibles now. 

Condition: Rust throughout, signs of use and wear and tear commensurate with antique status. 

Size: 44 x 5 1/4 x 2 in. 

In 1904 an Indian rifle factory was established by the British at Ichapore (anglicized as Ishapore), West Bengal, and began production of the Lee-Enfield rifle. The factory also manufactured the Vickers-Berthier (VB) light machine gun, which was adopted in 1932 by the Indian Army and remains in reserve use to this day. Military rifles manufactured at Ishapore before 1949 are stamped “GRI” on the buttsocket, referring to George Rex, Imperator (i.e. King George VI, last Emperor of India), whilst military rifles manufactured from then on are stamped “RFI,” which stands for Rifle Factory, Ishapore. The factory was administered by the Ordnance Factory Board of India till 2021 when it was corporatized under the ownership of Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited.

Rust throughout, signs of use and wear and tear commensurate with antique status. 

All items are sold AS IS. Lot and condition details are for descriptive purposes only. Sarasota Estate Auction is not responsible for errors and/or omissions of condition. The absence of a condition report does not imply that the lot is perfect or free from wear, flaws, or characteristics of age. Please bid according to your own expertise, or request any additional information and/or photographs you deem necessary.