^Lot 332 Royal Irish Constabulary Lee-Enfield Bolt Action Carbine

Royal Irish Constabulary Lee-Enfield Bolt Action Carbine, #7543, .303 Brit. cal., 20.75" barrel, blued finish, hardwood stock set, inverted "V" front sight and adjustable folding leaf rear sight. Marked on left-side action body with original carbine markings "(Crown)/V.R/ENFIELD//1898/L.E.C/I". Right-side buttstock with over-stamped roundel dated "1901". Brass buttstock disc contains conversion markings "6'/04/R.I.C/4322". Mismatched number on rear of bolt handle. Carbine is fitted with bolt dustcover, early cocking piece, and 6-rd. magazine. Converted from standard carbine by strengthening forend and attaching bayonet mounting bar. Condition overall is very good with the metal retaining over 80% finish, showing patina to left side barrel shank and toning to front band. There are two cracks and an arsenal repair to the tip of the forend with the wood lightly sanded, now good, showing mostly old handling marks to the finish. Action operates smoothly, bright bore is excellent with sharp well-defined rifling. Old Birmingham export proof marks on left side of barrel shank. Est.: $1,000-$1,500. (Antique)