Original Item: Only One Available. Included in the government of Nepal antique weapons purchase of 2003 were a couple of thousand Enfield bolt-action rifles mostly of the WW1 style SMLE type. Within those were a very few original British made P-1888 Lee Metford Mk1* rifles and, much to everyone's surprise, there were also a few Nepalese manufactured Lee Metford rifles.

By tradition the King's personal guard was required to be armed with firearms manufactured within the Kingdom of Nepal so as a result the Royal Armory at Nakku was tasked with creating short runs of "modern" rifles. These included, Flintlocks, Brunswick Rifles, P-1853 Rifled muskets, Snider rifles, M-1878 Nepalese Martini Francottes, Gahendra rifles and Lee Metford magazine rifles. They actually went on to make the WW1 and WW2 SMLE rifles in small runs as well.

Here we offer Gurkha production Lee-Metford Rifle serial number ३ (3), complete with an original British made P-1888 bayonet and scabbard, correct for Lee-Metford and Long Lee-Enfield Rifles. We understand that fewer than 20 Lee-Metfords were produced at Nakku for the Royal Guard. Although these rifles were made at Nakku it must be remembered that the British enjoyed a very close relationship with Nepal and British Gun Makers from Birmingham were constantly being supplied on British Military Aid Contracts to oversee small arms manufacture at Nakku. This example has a bolt that is actually British Manufacture with EFD markings, possibly one of the ones that was copied.

Almost completed devoid of markings this rifle bears all matching serial number ३ (Nepalese for 3) on the rear right receiver, and a rear sight that is graduated in Negari numbers. The Negari serial number is also stamped on other components of the rifle, such as the nose cap, barrel band, and trigger guard. The rifle is complete, save for the top handguard, which unfortunately was missing when it was acquired in Nepal. The overall condition is very good, wood has some small dents and wear consistent with service and long storage. The metalwork shows a lovely aged dark gray patina overall, and no signs of major cleaning or rust in the past.

The bolt cycles well with a crisp dry fire, and the magazine cutoff is present and moves back and forth, though we have no way of resting to see if the feed mechanism is still functional. The safety on the bolt is also a bit finicky at times if engaged when the bolt is cocked. The bore still shows clear Metford-style polygonal rifling, which does not have the sharp lands and grooves as seen in the later Lee-Enfield. The finish is mostly bright, with just a bit of oxidation and dirt in areas. The rear sight functions well, and the volley sights on the left side of the stock are present and fully functional.

The included P-1888 bayonet is in very good condition, showing some scattered oxidation on the blade, with a peppery patina on the handle. The blade is marked with the CROWN / VR Royal Cypher of Queen Victoria over a date of 6 '97, or June 1897. There are some additional markings and inspection proofs, including a BROAD ARROW / EFD marking, indicating manufacture at RSAF Enfield. The scabbard is in great shape as well.

Offered in close to unissued condition complete with the original magazine and a correct bayonet, this has to be one of the most rare Lee-Metford rifles in existence today. Manufactured prior to 1899 and therefore it is officially categorized as an antique.

Specifications (Rifle):-

Year of Manufacture: circa 1895
Caliber: .303 British
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 30 inches
Overall Length: 49 1/4 Inches
Action type: Bolt-Action
Feed System: 10 round magazine

Specifications (Bayonet):-

Blade Length: 12"
Blade Style: Double Edged Hollow Ground Spear Point
Overall length: 16 3/4"
Crossguard: 2 5/8”
Scabbard Length: 12 3/4

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to most US States and most U.S. territories.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to most addresses within the United States.