The UK's Finest Independent Forum for Shooters and Gun Owners. Est 2010.

I suspect it's not a totally legit piece, it's been hidden there by someone who didn't want it found. I don't think it is a Home guard piece, can't see why they'd want to shorten it. I'm pretty sure the SMLE's were cut down for use by tunnels, whilst it most likley wasn't legitmate in regards to regulations I'm sure it went on

And it's an early pattern, (by the striker shape, though no cut-off oddly), with what looks very much like a marked stock disc in place so could make for some interesting research.

Article says the bell ringers want to have it back so it's probably going to have a trip to see a man with a grinder and welding torch :(

*edit* note I said maybe auxiliary home guard so, given their specialist and largely unrecorded existence, all bets are off!

The bellringers are looking for funds. Perhaps an interested party should make them an offer before it gets butchered any further?

I can't make it out clearly from the photograph but is it possible that this was a Lee Enfield number 1 cavalry carbine?

An interesting piece, I wonder if this is something to do with a "Peaky Blinders" type, 1920's gang, delibarete shortening being a bit odd in a UK based context.

More pics are required, if this piece proved to have an auxiliary connection (very difficult to prove due to their covert nature), then it has some considerable historical importance and should be preserved, worthy of Imperial War Museum display.

Be interesting to know the head stamp date on the ammunition.