I would always place the value of an original non FTRd rifle over that of a FTRd rifle of the same maker even if the non FTRd was in a well worn state but the guy sitting next to me may well pay more for the FTRd, so the value of an FTRd rifle is relative to the buyer.
Case in point, last auction i went to there was a near mint 1953 FTR 1918 NRF MkIII* that i had a punt on, the rifle went for more than i was willing to pay for it (even though i won it first with the hammer falling at NZ$450, but thats another story) but it went for a price i would consider cheap for a near new rifle.
PS yours is a Peddled scheme rifle.

 

Case in point, last auction i went to there was a near mint 1953 FTR 1918 NRF MkIII* that i had a punt on, the rifle went for more than i was willing to pay for it (even though i won it first with the hammer falling at NZ$450, but thats another story) but it went for a price i would consider cheap for a near new rifle.
PS yours is a Peddled scheme rifle.

Having been involved in some auction fun myself, I would love to hear the "other" story.

DaveR1984. Gotta say I love that SSA.

 

Absolutely, without a doubt, it's a peddled scheme rifle. Nice looking one, too. Neat that it went through BSA's FTR program in 53.

The L on top of the butt stock indicates a long butt stock.

 

Would someone be so kind as to tell me what a "Peddled scheme rifle" is?

 

My understanding is that it refers to rifles assembled from parts during WWI by Standard Small Arms (SSA) and NFA (National Firearms Assembly). They didn't actually make the parts for the guns themselves; just got heaps of components from BSA, RSAF Enfield, LSA, and anyone else who was making SMLE parts and then assembled them into guns.

In this sense, the actual assembly of the rifles was "Peddled" (ie, sub-contracted) out to someone besides the usual Gun Trade manufacturers, hence "Peddled Scheme". It caused a bit of a political stir at the time, too, from what I've read.

 

Several errors...

303EnfieldAU, with all due respect, is incorrect on several points.

It is "NRF" for "National Rifle Factory".

NRF is SSA! They are not two seperate entities that existed at the same time.

SSA was a private company that was supposed to make full MK III/III*'s and from 1916-1918 never did and the government took them over in 1918 and renamed it NRF.

Rifles were NOT assembled at SSA/NRF. They made such things as receivers, barrels, and trigger guards. The parts from SSA usually ended up being assembled at BSA. That is why you usually see a "SSA" or "NRF" rifle with so many BSA parts/inspection markings.

Proud owner of: 1918 SSA III* (my first SMLE!), 1918 SSA III*/Ishapore .410, 1918 NRF III*/No.2 MK IV* .22

 

Thanks to all for the information

Thanks to all for the information.

Dave

 

Just acquired a 1917 SSA rifle myself.

It's a family heirloom.

 

Nice. I have a 1918 SSA. Rebuilt (at least once) with an EP'd matching bolt serial, and a bore that looks new.

 

I've got one, but I don't think it's quite as nice as yours....here's mine:

had it for about 7 years now....got it as a "U-Fixem" from Century for $35.00....needed a safety.....

 

Nice to see some old SSA SMLEs like mine.

I'm new to the forum...didn't know it existed until I started researching my .303.

Does anyone know how many Lee Enfields the SSA factory produced?

I've heard they're somewhat rare...well...as rare as you can expect a rifle they made 17 million of can be.

Is it true that the SSA factory was only around for 3 years before it became the NRF?

 

Stratton (p130) gives SSA/NRF production estimate as 275,000
Skennerton variously "more than 250,000" or "about 300,000"
so yes comparatively rare!
I have one (and a sportered action) but it can't hold a candle to those exhibited here.

 

There are some beauties here. Mine's a crusty old veteran...1916 SSA, Canadian marked. A good shooter though.

 

What would I look for as far as Canadian markings?

 

I won this numbers matching 1916 SSA non ftr on proxibid for 175 bucks. I was disappointed at first because it was dated as 1907 on their website, it was later on that I learned of SSA's.

 

I've seen two styles of the Canadian property mark (my rifle has both); a 'C' with a small arrow inside (early), and a 'C' with the broad arrow filling the entire inside area of the 'C' (later).

I'll try to get some pictures this weekend if I can manage to haul her out from the back of the gun closet.

 

I'd like to see some pics of that "crusty" rifle you spoke of....

 

A little late, but as promised...

A few pics of my 1916 SSA...Canadian marked, with indications of either service in the CBI, or at least with Indian forces around that general timeframe.

A little bright outside for good picture taking, and I left the cat hairs in for a bit of character.

 

A few pics of my 1916 SSA...Canadian marked, with indications of either service in the CBI, or at least with Indian forces around that general timeframe.

A little bright outside for good picture taking, and I left the cat hairs in for a bit of character.

Very nice...hardly a "crusty" rifle.

I'll have to check mine for Canadian markings.

Mine came from England with my Grandfather who was in the RAF, but I'm not sure where he got it, sadly he died the year before I was born.

 

Just a quick question

Hello I just found this site and am wondering i'm buying a 303 off of my aunt which was my uncles but he passed away and just wondering about it here are the markings on it.

On the band around the trigger guard shows a crown and then CR BSA Co 1940 SHT L.E. 111 then on the left side of the barrel away from the ejector port there is FTR 1953 and on top of the barrel 303 2/22 n.p 18.5 tons. Any help at all would be appreciated and also what should i be giving her for this rifle?? And what does FTR stand for?

 

Hello I just found this site and am wondering i'm buying a 303 off of my aunt which was my uncles but he passed away and just wondering about it here are the markings on it.

On the band around the trigger guard shows a crown and then CR BSA Co 1940 SHT L.E. 111 then on the left side of the barrel away from the ejector port there is FTR 1953 and on top of the barrel 303 2/22 n.p 18.5 tons. Any help at all would be appreciated and also what should i be giving her for this rifle?? And what does FTR stand for?

Manufactured by BSA in 1940
Model Short Lee Enfield No1 MK3 (or maybe there is a * after the III and that makes it a No1 Mk3*
FTR = Factory Thorough Repair (Refurbishment) which took place in 1953.
303 2/22 np 18.5 tons = British civilian proof markes, before any gun can be sold to a British civilian it must be proofed by either the London or Birmingham proof house.
303 = the calibre
2/22 = 2.222" cartridge length
np 18.5 = BNP which is Birmingham Nitro Proofed to 18.5 tons pressure

 

Definitely sporterized and the metal's drilled too. That's a shame. Enfields in that shape are maybe $100 around here.

-Mark

 

To get back to davers first question

L on buttstock;one half inch longer than standard length
Standard length; unmarked
S; one half inch shorter than standard
B; Bantam, one inch shorter than standard. Late in the war people who couldn't meet the pre-war height standards were being drafted.