Early rebuilds from India

[RCS]

Some years ago, I picked-up two early rifles that were rebuilt in 1914 and 1917 to Mark 111 configuration.

They are a BSA 1904 SHTLE 1** IP s/n 36742 and a Enfield SHTLE 1** I P s/n 37988

Both rifles have new barrels installed (exc bores), charger guides install and upgraded to Mark 1114309943100431014310243103

[RCS]

I want to include some additional photos43104431054310643107

[p246]

Thanks for the pics nice IPs.

[RCS]

Here is an old photo from the internet that shows some Indian troops in France in 1915. Note the Pattern 1903
bayonet43115

[Carlsr]

RCS I have one posted a few threads down

[RCS]

Carlsr, after I read your posts on the Indian Enfield's. I decided to post my two early conversions. Interesting that
these two Mark 1** I.P. rifles were converted to Mark 111 yet the Mark 1** I.P. markings remain. New barrels
were made and numbered to the action body, most of the early wood was salvaged. I just am glad to have these
early rifles. Some additional photos43225432264322743228

[Carlsr]

Here are some pages from a book that is no longer in print. Someone on a facebook group posted these.43229432304323143232

[RCS]

Carlsr,

Thank you for the detailed information on the Mark 1** I.P. rifles

My Enfield 1903 Mark 1** I.P. upgraded in 1914 has the windage backsight, backsight protector with milled out recess, no marking
on the nose cap except matching number. I had the wrong bolt in my photo and the correct bolt has the early cocking piece also
with a C stamp. Fore-end has had the stud for the volley sight milled flat.

My BSA 1904 Mark 1** I.P. also has the windage backsight, late backsight protector, nose cap has match number, cocking piece
is later.

You information is appreciated

RCS

[Carlsr]

RCS
I'm not sure what year my rifle was actually made as that was removed during conversion. It does have the windage adjustable rear sight which is marked RFI but the protectors are not milled and no markings. Barrel and receiver have all the proper markings along with an H.V on the barrel and Knox. Trigger guard is marked with a C. The bolt is of the period but no C on the handle. There is what could be a C or a U stamped under the handle. No markings on the nose cap other than serial #. RFI is on the band and what may be a C under RFI. Butt stock has been replaced at some point as it has no markings other than the unit disk which I have not found out too much about. I was told that it stood for Frontier Eastern Provence Horse, South Africa then someone else said no such unit existed. This is the H.V on the knox. 4323843239

[RCS]

I have never seen the HV stamped on the barrel and knox before. My early Enfield Mark 1** I.P. is without the cut off, which is correct from
your data.

[Carlsr]

Now I have another mystery LOL!! Your I.P's are Type 1 Mk I**P Mine is a Type 3. I don't see anything on the cut off but I believe it had RFI stamped on it and that was some time ago that I cleaned it. Having the cut of from what I have been told is correct for the period???

[JB White]

Here are some pages from a book that is no longer in print. Someone on a facebook group posted these.43229432304323143232

For reference sake, the book is India's Enfields by Robert Edwards. A couple of later printing editions and all were short runs. Any of them is worth the information inside if you can find one for sale.
But it sound like you guys are on the right track already. :) Keep in mind that India offered a lot of anomalies. Not everything in the books in the final word. Not just their rifles but their bayonets too. Some marked in such a way it gets people talking.

[RCS]

JB White, I bought a SMLE No 1 Mark 1*** Enfield from Robert Wilkinson Edwards (Keedysville MD) back in the early 1990's. Also had two
long phone conversations with him, very, very interesting conversations. He had "The List" where he sold rifles and bayonets, all interesting
items. Could this be the same Robert Edwards who published the "India's Enfields" ?

[JB White]

Quite possibly. The author is Robert W. Edwards (Lt.Col. ret.) and the book was published by Consortium Press of Keedysville, MD.
That's all I know. If it's merely a coincidence then it's one taking note of. :)