Incredible Lee-Metford Mk. II Presented to Richard Wake OBE, CE

• Maker: Enfield
• Model: Metford
• Caliber: .303


• Description: Serial 68 and G020, .303 British, 30" barrel with an excellent, bright bore. This is a BSA-made rifle that retains 95-97% of the original blue finish, with some mild silvering at the muzzle, along the high edges and projections, as well as along the bearing surfaces of the matching numbered bolt ("68"). This is a commercial rifle, made for service rifle matches, and has extensive post-1904 Birmingham proofs on the receiver and barrel. The metal retains 97-98% of the original blue finish with some mild fading at the muzzle, along the high and projecting edges, as well as along the bearing surfaces of the bolt. The trigger guard has a presentation engraved on the exterior: "ONE OF THE BEST / RICHARD WAKE. WICKLOW"; and an engraving of a heraldic Wake Knot on the knox-form. The walnut stock, forend, and handguard are in excellent condition with some small handling marks and minor surface blemishes scattered about the otherwise excellent original varnish finish. The rifle is further accompanied by the original box magazine, and a period leather sling in fine and serviceable condition. Richard Wake was born in 1870 in England. He was educated privately, and became a civil engineer, assuming the post of Director of Technical Education for the County of Wicklow, Ireland, sometime around 1907. During the First World War, Wake transferred to Birmingham where he became the Section Director, Department of Small Arms and Machine Gun Supply. Additionally, Wake was a consulting engineer for the Belgian Government Arms Factory, and Vice-Chairman of the Engineering Board for the Midland Area, Ministry of Munitions. An avid shooter, he was instrumental in the founding of the Hull Patriotic Rifle Club; an association of civilian marksmen pledged to practice and teach marksmanship in preparation for war. For Wakes service, he was awarded an OBE by Britain, and was made a Chevalier of the Belgian Order of the Crown. This is a splendid example of a rarely seen Lee-Metford variant, with personal presentation to a man who would become very important in arms procurement for the Allies during WW1. It is in excellent condition, and would make a splendid addition to any collection. FFL or C&R