{"product_id":"original-british-303-lee-enfield-cavalry-carbine-mk-i-converted-for-royal-irish-constabulary-service-by-birmingham-rsaf-enfield-dated-1895-r-i-c-no-3609-serial-no-5483-a","title":"Original British .303 Lee-Enfield Cavalry Carbine Mk I Converted for Royal Irish Constabulary Service by Birmingham, RSAF Enfield Dated 1895, R.I.C. No. 3609, Serial No. 5483 A","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is an exceptionally interesting early British \u003cstrong\u003e.303 Lee-Enfield Cavalry Carbine Mk I\u003c\/strong\u003e, manufactured at the Royal Small Arms Factory Enfield and dated \u003cstrong\u003e1895\u003c\/strong\u003e, then converted at Birmingham in \u003cstrong\u003e1902\u003c\/strong\u003e for issue to the \u003cstrong\u003eRoyal Irish Constabulary\u003c\/strong\u003e. Serial number \u003cstrong\u003e5483 A\u003c\/strong\u003e remains on both the receiver and barrel, while the original R.I.C. butt disc records its police issue in April 1904 as carbine number \u003cstrong\u003e3609\u003c\/strong\u003e. It retains the desirable early six round magazine with retaining loop, bolt mounted safety, action dust cover, magazine cutoff, flattened cavalry bolt knob, R.I.C. stock modifications, and an excellent bright bore. Carbines retaining such a complete combination of early Lee-Enfield and documented R.I.C. features are particularly desirable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an antique black powder firearm manufactured before 1899. Under federal law, it may generally be owned within the United States without a special license or permit and does not require transfer through a Federal Firearms Licensee. However, state and local laws may vary. This firearm is sold solely as a historical collector’s item and has not been test fired or inspected for firing safety by a professional gunsmith. Any mechanical or bore observations provided below describe only its present condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the firearm is safe to load or fire. The purchaser is solely responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe early Lee-Enfield family represents one of the most important stages in the development of the British service rifle. The Magazine Lee-Enfield rifle entered service during the mid 1890s, combining James Paris Lee's rear locking bolt action and detachable box magazine with Enfield pattern rifling for the .303 British cartridge. A compact cavalry carbine followed, using a short barrel, six round magazine, early bolt mounted safety, dust cover, and other features specifically intended for mounted service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example began life as one of those early Lee-Enfield Cavalry Carbines. The left side of the butt socket is clearly marked:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eV.R.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eENFIELD\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1895\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eI.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eL.E.C.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe crowned \u003cstrong\u003eV.R.\u003c\/strong\u003e is the royal cypher of Queen Victoria, \u003cem\u003eVictoria Regina\u003c\/em\u003e. \u003cstrong\u003eENFIELD\u003c\/strong\u003e identifies manufacture at the Royal Small Arms Factory at Enfield Lock, while \u003cstrong\u003e1895\u003c\/strong\u003e is the original manufacturing date. The \u003cstrong\u003eI. \/ L.E.C.\u003c\/strong\u003e designation identifies the arm as a Lee-Enfield Cavalry Carbine Mk I.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original serial number is:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e5483 A\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eand is present on both the front of the receiver and the chamber end of the barrel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bolt retains the characteristic flattened knob associated with the cavalry carbine pattern. The reduced profile helped minimize protrusion and snagging when the short arm was carried and handled by mounted troops. Importantly, military inspection marks remain present on the modified knob, showing that this was an official service configuration rather than a later commercial alteration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe carbine also retains its original compact \u003cstrong\u003esix round detachable magazine\u003c\/strong\u003e. The small metal retaining loop is still present, allowing the magazine to remain tethered to the arm when removed and reducing the chance of loss during cleaning or service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe early pattern safety remains mounted at the rear of the bolt on the cocking piece. The carbine also retains the sliding dust cover over the action and the magazine cutoff on the receiver, all characteristic features of these early Lee service arms before the introduction of the later SMLE system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter military service, the carbine was selected for conversion and issue to the \u003cstrong\u003eRoyal Irish Constabulary\u003c\/strong\u003e. The right side of the butt stock carries the Birmingham refurbishment roundel:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBIRMINGHAM\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e(Broad Arrow)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1902\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis marking identifies an official Birmingham repair or conversion in 1902. Surviving R.I.C. carbines are well documented with Birmingham 1902 refurbishment markings before their issue to the Constabulary during the following years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe conversion adapted the cavalry carbine so that it could accept the standard British Pattern 1888 sword bayonet. This required alteration of the fore stock, fitting an enlarged or sleeved muzzle section to accommodate the bayonet muzzle ring, and installing the modified nose cap and bayonet attachment arrangement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn this example the lower bayonet attachment or lug was subsequently ground away, leaving the underside of the nose cap flush. The front stock nevertheless retains the distinctive grafted section added during the R.I.C. conversion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdditional sling swivels were fitted during conversion, including one beneath the butt and another at the nose cap, allowing the carbine to be carried in a manner better suited to police service rather than exclusively in its original cavalry configuration. The original rear cavalry sling loop on the butt stock also remains present.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe strongest evidence of actual Royal Irish Constabulary issue is the original brass butt disc, stamped:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e4. '04\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eR.I.C.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3609\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis records issue to the \u003cstrong\u003eRoyal Irish Constabulary in April 1904\u003c\/strong\u003e, with Constabulary inventory or issue number \u003cstrong\u003e3609\u003c\/strong\u003e. Comparable surviving R.I.C. carbines show the same month and year format followed by the organization abbreviation and individual issue number.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Royal Irish Constabulary received approximately 10,000 surplus Lee-Metford and Lee-Enfield carbines during the opening years of the 20th century. These compact arms remained in police service through a period of increasing unrest in Ireland and were still in use during the years surrounding the Irish War of Independence. Without additional unit records, however, we cannot identify where R.I.C. carbine number 3609 was stationed or establish any connection to a particular incident.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe right side of the breech carries opposed broad arrows indicating disposal from government service. The carbine was subsequently commercially proved and bears later British nitro proof markings, including:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBNP\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eand associated pressure and caliber information, indicating civilian proof after its government service life had ended. There is also an E on top of the barrel chamber, indicating that it has \"Enfield\" style cut rifling, as is correct.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall condition is very good and shows the expected evidence of prolonged military and police service without heavy firing wear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe receiver, dust cover, barrel, and other metal components retain substantial blue finish. Some areas have faded toward plum, with normal edge wear at projecting surfaces and around the muzzle. We do not see major rust damage, deep pitting, or widespread heavy peppering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rear sight remains complete and functional. The ladder operates correctly, although its slider is presently loose and does not reliably hold its selected position when raised.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bolt cycles smoothly during manual inspection and gives a crisp dry fire. We have not tested the carbine with cartridges or dummy ammunition and therefore cannot verify feeding from the six round magazine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe magazine release remains functional, and the magazine can be removed as designed. The magazine cutoff also moves correctly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bolt mounted safety remains fully functional. When engaged it prevents the firing mechanism from releasing and also prevents the bolt from being opened.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bore is in \u003cstrong\u003eexcellent condition\u003c\/strong\u003e, retaining a bright interior with crisp lands and grooves. We see no significant wear and very little evidence of old fouling, suggesting that despite its lengthy service history the carbine was not subjected to extensive firing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe walnut stocks remain in very good service used condition and have developed a handsome dark red brown color from decades of oiling, handling, and cleaning. They show the expected dents, dings, scratches, and handling marks accumulated during their long working life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe brass butt plate retains its working storage compartment. The compartment is presently empty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe lower fore stock has a small grafted repair on the right side beneath the rear sight. The forward end also retains the larger graft associated with the R.I.C. conversion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe handguard shows somewhat heavier wear than the remaining stock components. A crack begins at the top center of its forward end and extends rearward approximately \u003cstrong\u003e1 1\/2\"\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sling swivel at the nose cap remains present and moves freely.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith its extraordinarily early \u003cstrong\u003e1895 Enfield\u003c\/strong\u003e manufacture, matching \u003cstrong\u003e5483 A\u003c\/strong\u003e receiver and barrel serial numbers, official \u003cstrong\u003eBIRMINGHAM \/ 1902\u003c\/strong\u003e conversion marking, original \u003cstrong\u003eR.I.C. \/ 3609 \/ 4.'04\u003c\/strong\u003e issue disc, six round magazine with retaining loop, early dust cover and bolt safety, surviving cavalry sling hardware, and excellent bore, this carbine documents two distinct chapters of British and Irish service history. It began as one of the early Lee-Enfield cavalry carbines of the Victorian Army and later became a purpose converted Royal Irish Constabulary arm. That combination makes it an exceptional addition to a collection of early Lee-Enfields, British cavalry arms, Irish police firearms, or weapons associated with the turbulent final decades of British rule in Ireland.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYear of Manufacture: 1895\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eMaker: RSAF Enfield\u003cbr\u003eModel: Lee-Enfield RIC Carbine\u003cbr\u003eSerial No.: 5483 A\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCaliber: .303 British\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge\u003cbr\u003eBarrel Length: 20.75 Inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOverall Length: 39.9 Inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAction type: Bolt-Action\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeed System: 6 round double stack Magazine.\u003cbr\u003eFederal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46106526679109,"sku":"ONJR26OCAS080","price":2495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/842E79E2-71EA-46AF-90B0-7C37FABEED31.jpg?v=1792779002","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-british-303-lee-enfield-cavalry-carbine-mk-i-converted-for-royal-irish-constabulary-service-by-birmingham-rsaf-enfield-dated-1895-r-i-c-no-3609-serial-no-5483-a","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}