Lee-Enfield Mk I Turkish 8mm Mauser Conversion “Enfauser” Bolt Action Rifle, Manufactured 1896
Archival record: Specifications and condition reflect the firearm as listed at the time of auction.
Final Auction Price: $3,031.00
Few military surplus rifles tell a story as unique as the Turkish-converted Lee-Enfield, often referred to by collectors as the “Enfauser” or “Mausenfield.” Originally manufactured by Enfield in 1896 as a Lee-Enfield Mk I, this rifle was later upgraded to Charger Loading Lee-Enfield (CLLE I) configuration before being captured by Ottoman forces during the First World War. In 1936, the Ankara Arsenal converted it to fire the standard 8mm Mauser cartridge, creating one of the most unusual hybrid military rifles of the twentieth century.
Identification
MMA#: 260505KR006
Make: Enfield
Model: Lee-Enfield Mk I (later converted by the Turkish Arsenal)
Serial Number: 330
Year of Manufacture: 1896
Conversion Date: 1936
Caliber: 8mm Mauser (7.92×57)
Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle with Internal Magazine
Barrel Length: 29 Inches
Sights / Optics
The front sight is an inverted V post dovetailed into a raised base. The rear sight is a barrel-mounted V-notch escalator assembly.
Stock Configuration & Condition
The wood stock features a straight grip, bayonet lug, cleaning rod cutout, two barrel bands, two sling loops, marking disk, and a brass buttplate with hinged storage compartment.
The rear of the handguard has a repaired crack. The wood shows scattered scrapes, scratches, and areas of discoloration from military service. There is minor wood loss along the cleaning rod channel. The barrel bands exhibit oxidation and wear.
Length of Pull: 13¼ inches.
Overall stock condition: Very Good Plus.
Finish & Overall Condition
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original to the Turkish arsenal conversion.
The rifle retains approximately 20 percent of its finish. The remaining metal displays thinning, scattered scrapes, dings, oxidation, and areas of surface erosion consistent with long military service. The screw heads show substantial use while the British and Turkish markings remain well defined.
Overall condition: Very Good.
Bore & Mechanics
Bore Condition: The muzzle and grooves are light gray with deep rifling. There is erosion at the muzzle and throughout the grooves. In the original evaluator’s opinion, the bore rates 7 out of 10.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The rifle was not test fired.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories
None.
Our Assessment
Military rifles often tell stories that span multiple nations, wars, and decades of service. Few examples illustrate that better than the Turkish “Enfauser.” Although never an official military designation, collectors adopted the nickname to describe these fascinating hybrids, which combine the smooth rear locking Lee-Enfield action with Turkey’s standard 8mm Mauser chambering and military furniture.
This rifle began life at the Royal Small Arms Factory at Enfield in 1896 as a Lee-Enfield Mk I, one of Britain’s earliest smokeless powder service rifles. In 1906 it was upgraded to Charger Loading Lee-Enfield (CLLE I) configuration, allowing faster reloading with stripper clips as British infantry doctrine evolved.
Sometime during the First World War, likely during campaigns such as Gallipoli or the Mesopotamian Campaign, the rifle was captured by Ottoman forces. Rather than discard these captured rifles, the Turkish Republic later undertook an ambitious modernization program. In 1936, the Ankara Arsenal converted surviving Lee-Enfields to fire the nation’s standard 7.92×57 Mauser cartridge, fitting them with Mauser-pattern components while retaining the original British action.
The result is one of the most unusual military bolt-action rifles ever adopted. Combining British engineering with Turkish arsenal craftsmanship and German cartridge standardization, these conversions were produced in relatively limited numbers and remain highly sought after by collectors of Enfields, Mausers, and military surplus firearms alike.
This example retains both British and Turkish markings, remains mechanically functional, and presents in Very Good overall condition with honest military wear throughout. It stands as a remarkable artifact representing four decades of military history spanning the British Empire, the Ottoman Empire, and the modern Republic of Turkey.
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Every firearm featured in the Mt. McCoy Auctions Vault is professionally photographed, carefully cataloged, and thoroughly documented to preserve its history and condition. Our archival records provide collectors with detailed information regarding originality, condition, mechanical function, and historical significance, creating a lasting resource long after each auction has concluded.
