Lee-Metford Mk 1* .303 inch bolt action magazine rifle, 1901

Lee-Metford Mk I .303 inch bolt action magazine rifle, 1901. Manufactured by Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield, 1901. Although the Lee-Enfield rifle had superseded the Lee-Metford in 1895 the exigencies of the Boer War (1899-1902) meant that many Lee-Metford rifles, this one included, were issued to troops in South Africa. This rifle, the modified Lee-Metford Mk 1* was issued to the South Staffordshire Regiment in August 1901. Most Lee-Metfords were converted to Enfield rifling indicated by the code ‘E1*’ on the knox form (where the barrel joins the receiver) but this particular rifle retained its Metford rifling throughout its service life.