Hello gents, I'm new to this forum, but you can find my posts on Lee Speed rifles on the many Lee Enfield and Nitro Express forums. I am not an expert on them, but I am a dedicated student. I have been researching these rifles for several years and have collected data on several hundred so far, in an effort to work out a reliable dating scheme for these undated firearms.
If you own (or know about) a commercial Lee rifle, I would be grateful if you would fill out my Lee Speed survey. (Please send me a private message and I will send it).
As for Greener, they operated a military SMLE factory during WWI, which was eventually taken over by the government. There is some dispute as to whether Greener manufactured complete rifles (including actions) or just components. Skennerton takes one view and Greener another.
As for sporting rifles on the Lee Metford and Lee Enfield action, Greener was one of the earliest private retailers to offer them (a colleague of mine has one by Greener from the mid-1890s). Sometimes Greener simply sold a complete rifle that had been made by BSA, but other times they added engraving, custom barrel, or special sights. Therefore, you will see Greener examples that do not match those in the standard BSA catalogues. As Kutter pointed out above, none of these sporters were ex-military rifles (not what we would call "sporterized"); they were purpose-built for civilian sale. They have no government markings, but will have commercial proof marks.
The original poster said that the Greener in question has "paperwork"...I am very curious to know what this means. A ledger copy? A bill of sale? If you would be kind of enough to let me know about this, it could be extremely helpful to my research project, and I will certainly acknowledge your assistance.
I am always happy to discuss these Lee Speed rifles and will do my best to evaluate or fix a date to them.
Thanks very much!
