The Lee-Enfield No. 5 Mk I, commonly known as the "Jungle Carbine", is one of the most recognisable British military rifles of the Second World War. Developed as a shorter and lighter alternative to the standard No. 4 Lee-Enfield, the No. 5 was designed for improved handling in confined environments and demanding jungle conditions. Production commenced in 1944, with rifles manufactured at the Royal Ordnance Factory Fazakerley and Birmingham Small Arms (BSA). The No. 5 subsequently saw service with British and Commonwealth forces during the closing stages of WWII and in post-war conflicts, most notably the Malayan Emergency.

This firearm, serial number 9383, was manufactured at the Royal Ordnance Factory Fazakerley in July 1944, as indicated by the receiver markings "No5 MkI ROF(F)" and "7/44". Its early production date makes it a particularly interesting example of the No. 5 series, representing the initial period of manufacture of these distinctive British military carbines.

Chambered in .303 British, the rifle retains its traditional military configuration, featuring the shortened barrel, distinctive conical flash hider, protected front sight and adjustable rear aperture sight. It is fitted with the original-pattern military walnut furniture, including the shortened fore-end, upper handguard and wooden buttstock with the characteristic rubber recoil pad. The rifle also retains its detachable 10-round box magazine and traditional Lee-Enfield bolt-action mechanism.

The metalwork retains what appears to be its original military finish, displaying age-appropriate wear consistent with its military heritage. The timber presents with an attractive, well-used appearance, showing handling marks and surface wear accumulated over the years. The rifle remains in very good overall condition, with its original-pattern military features intact. The bolt and receiver serial numbers are non-matching.

An appealing example of an early-production Fazakerley No. 5 Mk I, this rifle combines significant British military history with the distinctive design of the renowned Jungle Carbine.

Key Features

• Calibre: .303 British
• Manufacturer: Royal Ordnance Factory Fazakerley, England
• Model: Lee-Enfield No. 5 Mk I (Jungle Carbine)
• Manufacture Date: July 1944 (7/44)
• Action: Lee-Enfield bolt action
• Stock: Original-pattern military walnut furniture
• Finish: Military blackened metal finish with age-appropriate wear
• Sights: Original military protected front blade and adjustable rear aperture sight
• Flash Hider: Distinctive No. 5 conical flash hider
• Buttplate: Original-pattern rubber recoil pad
• Magazine: Detachable 10-round box magazine
• Matching Numbers: Non-matching bolt and receiver