Jim, I sent you an email offline.

I agree that this must be a No. 2 pattern that had the charger bridge fitted, especially as the numbers all match. I would never judge a Lee Speed based on bolt, magazine, or barrel features alone (too many have had these swapped out), but taken all together and with matching numbers, it's the real deal.

The aperture sight could have been fitted at the time of purchase by the retailer.

When you post additional pics, how about one of the action from above, and one of the left side of the action? I'd also love to see some close-ups of the buttstock and the front sight.

It's pretty rare to see one that had the bridge fitted like this, rather than starting from an SMLE-type action.

...

Huvius wrote: "Generally, what is the most desireable configuration?"

These Lee Speeds have so many variations because they were done to a customer's order, not to a Government's List of Changes specification. When you factor all the options, it adds up to many variations, all of which are correct. Put yourself in the mind of an Edwardian customer, browse the BSA catalogue, and decide what is most desirable to you. That's the one to seek. I think they're all desirable and interesting, but most people seem to be most impressed by the presence of a barrel rib, like on the No.1 pattern...I don't think it's terribly functional, but it looks smart. I'd rather find a No.4b in good condition than a ribbed No.1 in poor shape. If, heaven forbid, you wanted to put a scope on it, then a charger bridged model is essential, so that you can fit a no-gunsmithing (i.e., no-drilling) scope mount.

"What would be the capacity of the fixed magazine version such as the Manton in the catalog picture posted earlier? Is it indeed fixed?"

To my knowledge, there are no Lee Speeds with fixed magazines. The magazines are detachable.

When you get your rifle, be sure to post here. Thanks!