Help Identifying a Enfield British 303

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   I have what I believe is an Enfield British 303. I need help identifying
 what is exact model and the date of it. The markings on the side are 
99% gone. I can still make out  STH LE and a 1 with a star below it. 
Everything above is illegible. 

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sdavis7492 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: November 12 2025 Location: Wisconsin USA Status: Offline Points: 2	Post Options Post Reply Quote sdavis7492 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Help Identifying a Enfield British 303 Posted: November 12 2025 at 6:28pm
	I have what I believe is an Enfield British 303. I need help identifying what is exact model and the date of it. The markings on the side are 99% gone. I can still make out STH LE and a 1 with a star below it. Everything above is illegible.

Zed Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Special Member Donating Member Joined: May 01 2012 Location: France Status: Offline Points: 6460	Post Options Post Reply Quote Zed Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: November 12 2025 at 10:26pm
	That would be a Short Magazine Lee Enfield Mk1* Also known as the SMLE. The can be stamped SHTLE or SMLE depending on the maker, as there were several factories making these rifles. Some photos would be useful to determine if it's original military spec' or if it has been Sporterised for hunting. Serial numbers of the receiver and bolt should match.
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terrylee Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: December 30 2014 Location: South Africa Status: Offline Points: 942	Post Options Post Reply Quote terrylee Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: November 13 2025 at 1:43am
	Star seems to be in an unusual place. This is an SMLE Mk I* in original configuration.

A square 10 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Special Member Donating Member Joined: December 12 2006 Location: MN , USA Status: Online Points: 16999	Post Options Post Reply Quote A square 10 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: November 13 2025 at 10:20am
	BTW , if that is still in original configuration it is a somewhat rare one without later modifications

paddyofurniture Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: December 26 2011 Location: NC Status: Offline Points: 7942	Post Options Post Reply Quote paddyofurniture Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: November 13 2025 at 11:22am
	I have seen a SMLE Mk I*IP at a North Carolina gun show and it was not cheap.

Zed Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Special Member Donating Member Joined: May 01 2012 Location: France Status: Offline Points: 6460	Post Options Post Reply Quote Zed Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: November 13 2025 at 10:30pm
	I would add that these are quite rare rifles and very collectible if in original condition. The maker should be either: Enfield, BSA or LSA. Some photos of the, wrist markings, rear sight, the bolt and bolt head, the front sight as well as the complete rifle would be of assistance for confirming the model .
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