LEE ENFIELD SMLE GRENADE LAUNCHER / MORTAR CUP – 1949 NO. 1 MK III* RIFLE
1949 LEE ENFIELD SMLE NO. 1 MK III* WITH GRENADE LAUNCHER / MORTAR CUP, WIRE-REINFORCED STOCK & ACCESSORIES
OVERVIEW
Presented here is an impressive Lee Enfield SMLE rifle-grenade launcher configuration centered around a 2.5-inch grenade discharger / mortar cup mounted on a 1949 No. 1 Mk III* rifle.
While the 1949 Ishapore SMLE rifle provides the platform, the real collector interest in this grouping is the complete grenade-launching configuration. It includes the large 2.5-inch discharger cup, heavily wire-reinforced fore-end, discharger carrying pouch, sling, military webbing, 10 .303 British blank cartridges, and a dummy/inert display grenade.
This is an excellent representation of the classic Lee-Enfield rifle-grenade system and makes a particularly impressive military-history display.
RIFLE
Manufacturer: Rifle Factory Ishapore
Pattern: Lee Enfield / SMLE
Model: No. 1 Mk III*
Date: 1949
Caliber: .303 British
Action: Bolt Action
Barrel Length: Approximately 25"
Configuration: Rifle Grenade / Discharger Cup Configuration
Condition: Used Military Surplus
Bolt: Non-Matching
The receiver is clearly marked:
Crown
G.R.I.
1949
No. 1 Mk III*
GRENADE LAUNCHER / 2.5-INCH MORTAR CUP
The centerpiece of this grouping is the large 2.5-inch rifle-grenade discharger cup.
This component is variously referred to by collectors as a:
• Rifle grenade launcher
• Grenade discharger
• Discharger cup
• Grenade launcher cup
• Mortar cup
• Rifle grenade cup
The discharger exhibits substantial age and military-surplus character, including original finish loss, surface wear, and numerous markings.
An “SA” marking is visible on the discharger together with additional military and/or inspection markings.
Although an [SA] property marking is known in connection with the Finnish Army (Suomen Armeija), the marking on this particular discharger has not been independently authenticated as a Finnish Army property mark.
For that reason, the marking is described exactly as observed rather than assigning definitive Finnish provenance.
WIRE-REINFORCED SMLE
Another particularly distinctive feature is the extensive wire reinforcement around the rifle's fore-end.
Two substantial sections of wire wrapping are present.
This type of reinforcement is associated with SMLE rifles configured or reinforced for the considerable stresses generated during rifle-grenade launching.
Combined with the oversized discharger cup, the wire-wrapped stock gives the rifle the unmistakable appearance associated with the classic Lee Enfield grenade-launching configuration.
COMPLETE GROUPING
Included with the rifle are:
• 1949 Lee Enfield / Ishapore SMLE No. 1 Mk III* rifle
• 2.5-inch rifle grenade discharger / mortar cup
• Canvas discharger-cup carrying pouch
• Rifle sling
• Military webbing and accessories shown in photographs
• 10 .303 British blank cartridges
• Dummy/inert display grenade
One of the photographed webbing components is dated 1945.
MECHANICAL CONDITION
The bolt and action cycle properly.
The safety operates properly.
The trigger functions mechanically.
The bolt is NON-MATCHING to the rifle.
BORE
The bore photograph shows strong, well-defined rifling and an overall good appearance for a military-surplus rifle of this age.
Please examine the detailed bore photograph when evaluating condition.
No representation is made regarding live-fire testing.
As with any vintage military-surplus firearm, inspection by a qualified gunsmith is recommended before firing.
OVERALL CONDITION
This is a genuine military-surplus grouping and displays the wear and character expected from equipment of this age.
The wood shows handling marks, dents, scratches, discoloration, and other age-related wear.
The metal components show finish wear and surface marks consistent with military use and storage.
The grenade discharger / mortar cup exhibits particularly noticeable finish loss and surface wear.
The wire reinforcement remains prominently intact and gives the rifle an especially distinctive appearance.
Please examine all photographs carefully. The photographs should be considered an important part of the description and provide the best representation of cosmetic condition.
MARKINGS
Visible markings include:
• Crown
• G.R.I.
• 1949
• No. 1 Mk III*
• “SA” marking on grenade discharger / mortar cup
• Additional military proof and inspection markings
• Additional component markings shown in photographs
Please refer to the detailed photographs for the exact appearance and location of individual markings.
HISTORICAL CLARIFICATION
The host rifle was manufactured at Ishapore in 1949.
Because the rifle dates from 1949, this particular rifle should NOT be attributed to British military aid supplied to Finland during the 1939-1940 Winter War.
The rifle, grenade discharger, and individual accessories may have separate service histories.
No specific Finnish, Winter War, or Continuation War provenance is represented without independent supporting documentation.
COLLECTOR & SEARCH TERMINOLOGY
Lee Enfield Grenade Launcher
Lee-Enfield Grenade Launcher
SMLE Grenade Launcher
SMLE Rifle Grenade
Grenade Launcher
Grenade Discharger
Grenade Discharger Cup
Discharger Cup
2.5 Inch Discharger Cup
2.5" Discharger Cup
Mortar Cup
SMLE Mortar Cup
Lee Enfield Mortar Cup
Rifle Grenade Launcher
Rifle Grenade Cup
Rifle Grenade Discharger
SMLE
S.M.L.E.
Short Magazine Lee-Enfield
Lee Enfield
Lee-Enfield
No. 1 Mk III
No. 1 Mk III*
No 1 Mk 3
No 1 Mk 3*
1949 Lee Enfield
1949 SMLE
Ishapore
Ishapore SMLE
Rifle Factory Ishapore
GRI
G.R.I.
.303 British
303 British
Wire Wrapped SMLE
Wire-Wrapped SMLE
Wire Reinforced SMLE
Wire-Reinforced SMLE
Military Surplus Lee Enfield
Dummy Grenade
Inert Grenade
CONDITION NOTICE
This is vintage military-surplus equipment. Finish loss, handling marks, scratches, dents, discoloration, surface wear, and other evidence of age and service should be expected.
The photographs should be considered an important part of the description when evaluating the rifle, grenade discharger / mortar cup, markings, accessories, and overall cosmetic condition.