ilikedoubles, in order to give you an estimate, we need to know about the markings on your rifle---this will tell us when it was made, where it was proofed, and maybe where it's been and any special features the customer might have paid for (like special steel in the barrel, etc.). If you don't want to share that info on the forum, please send me a private message. Also, would you consider filling out my Lee Speed survey? Over the past 5 years, the generosity of collectors worldwide has allowed me to examine (remotely) hundreds of Lee Speed rifles. Every bit of data puts us a step closer to figuring out a reliable dating scheme for these rifles.
Also, can you please tell me more about what "paperwork" is associated with this rifle? This is far more important to my research than anything else about this firearm. Thanks very much!
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The value depends where you live. Lee Speeds are more common in places like NZ and Australia than here in the United States. I'd put the value anywhere between $1000 and $2000 depending on markings and features.
Kutter, regarding the LE I stamp. I don't know (yet) why LSA did this, but they did. I have seen this model designation on more than 30 examples I have logged that were produced over a period of 10 years. You are correct that BSA did not do this, but LSA did, in some cases, during a certain time.
If this is an ex-military rifle, we would see evidence of that (military proofs, military view marks, other military armorer or ownership marks, signs of such marks being removed, signs of military features being removed). All the features and details match those of a genuine pre-1914 commercial sporter. I could be wrong, of course, but let's see what the markings can tell us.
None of what I see in the posted photos is legible.
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Gregdownunder, can you tell anything more about the NZ purchase of BSA commercial Lee Speed actions? Do you have a source for this info, or know someone who does? I am very excited to follow this up.
Thanks very much!
