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This was an e-mail that I sent to jc5 in response to his email to me, but I thought the forum might find this info interesting as well, so am posting it for all to enjoy!

Like you, I have also been researching commercial Lee Speeds for a number of years & have been privileged to own several. I also have been working on an article for some time, however, it is now into several hundred pages, with scans from the old catalogues, etc., so it is, unfortunately, much too long for an article, so now I'm thinking it may very well turn into a coffee-table style book, along the lines of Winfers' books on Single Shots.

As for the BSA I posted some info on Nitro Forums, here is some additional info.

The number on the top right hand side of the action strap is S 194xx. The same number, albeit without the small letter S, appears on the bottom rear of the barrel. There are also several numbers in a column, each underneath an inverted V. They are from back to front: 84 56, 57, 52. In front of the barrel re-inforce, there is a P & in front of that ~ 1" a C. As I previously mentioned, the right top of the barrel has 303 then the 1916 proof marks BM under a crown, both on the barrel & the action, underneath which is NITRO PROVED on the barrel. On the front trigger guard screw boss, are the letters TS. The only other markings on the receiver are the B. S. A. C o. on the left action strap.

The only markings on the bolt are the serial number on the bottom of the bolt handle & the same proof mark (BM under a crown) marked on the barrel & receiver.

I believe the charger guide was added later, based on the position of the ejector screw, partially on the charger guide.

I have owned several #4's & #4b's, but the wood buttstock pattern was always different, some had military shaped butts, albeit with chequering and round sling swivel studs, some had military style sights and some had round knob type half-pistol grips, whereas this one has the #1 & #2 style pistol grip with horn cap fitted, the forward-swept flat top bolt handle, the cape sights.

Each of the Lee sporters I have been temporary caretaker of has been different. I also have in my small collection a Lee-Speed Patents B.S.A.Co., with the small chain on the 10 round magazine, with FOR CORDITE ONLY at the 11 o'clock position on the receiver ring, and PATENT 19.145'90 on the outside of the bolt head. The dust cover is engraved ALEX MARTIN GLASGOW & ABERDEEN in a scroll ribbon. This one has a 24 1/4" barrel with a Metford type Knox form, but with a circled E on the front of the knox form, denoting Enfield rifling. The serial number on the Knox form & barrel (106xx) does not match the number shown on the top right hand side of the action strap, which is G9xx. I believe the action strap numbers refer to a patent use number. There is a different number again on the trigger guard, engraved in large numbers 274xx, which likely was Alex Martin's serial number. I think the number on the barrel & top receiver ring is likely BSA's numbers.

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