Deactivated WW1 & WW2 P14 Rifle

This is an early production First World War Lee Enfield Pattern 14 (P14) rifle with both front and rear volley and diopeter sights. The barrel is dated '16 =1916, this indicates that it is from the first year of production. The receiver bears the correct British inspectors and broad arrow acceptance stamps. The P14 was only produced by US firms during WW1 in an attempt to supplement the shortage in SMLE rifles for the British war effort. Those that survived the Great War were put back into service again during WW2, most famously with British Home Guard units. This example has the initials "FS 3479" stamped on the regimental disc. This is most likely an abbreviation for either Flying School, Flight Sergeant or Field Security. With all available SMLE and No4 rifles being required for frontline service it would make sense that P14's were issued for these types of duties, and it may also explain why it still retains both volley sights.