This is a very fine example of a scarce Winchester Pattern 14 sniper rifle fitted with BSA Model 1918 Telescopic Sight. This is one of a approximately 75 each Pattern 14 MK I*W(T) that were manufactured by the British for the Irish Free State during the early 1930s. This rifle has the distinctive encircled "FF" Irish Free State marking on the back of the rear scope mount and the telescopic sight tube is stamped with the "three stacked rifles/B.S.A." trademark. The Irish Pattern 14 Sniper Rifles were never actually issued for use during WWII with most being sold as surplus in the United States by the Irish government during the 1950s. The top of the receiver ring and the left side of the rear sight protective "ear" are fitted with a double claw front scope base with a single claw scope mount on the rear similar to the early German GEW sniper rifles. The serial number on the receiver is covered by the scope base, however the right side of the rear sight protective ear is stamped with the rifle serial number: "W237736". The left side of the receiver is stamped with the British "Broad Arrow" property mark and British Crossed Pennant/"G.R." proofmark. The bolt handle is stamped with the Winchester "W" on the bottom and the serial number "237736" on the top. A five-pointed star is stamped on the bolt handle and the ejector. The right side of the stock is stamped with "IW/PATTERN 14" in a circle just in front of the brass identification disk. The end of the stock forearm is stamped "W/35". The telescopic sight is stamped with the "three stacked rifles/B.S.A." trademark with the eyepiece marked "MODEL/1918". The left side of the scope tube is marked "237736". The telescopic sight has a post and cross-hair reticle. The rifle has the standard blade front sight with the tangent rear sight graduated from 2-17 (200-1,700 meters) with the fine elevation adjustment screw fitted on the side that was only issued on British Pattern 14 Sniper Rifles. The long-range volley front and rear sights on the left side of the receiver and forearm were removed during the sniper conversion. The rifle and scope have a matching, dull blue finish. The bolt is bright. The stock and handguard are oil-finished black walnut. It is complete with an original set of leather scope covers, that are marked "F.L./25" on the front end.

Very fine with 95% of the arsenal refurbished blued finish with only minor edge and high spot wear. The refinished stock and handguards are all in very fine condition with clear visible markings having been lightly refurbished and then reoiled/varnished. The scope retains most of its arsenal black finish with a clear optics that are a little hazy. As noted this rifle has all matching numbers to include the bolt and scope. A very scarce example of a early post WWI Irish contract Winchester pattern 14 sniper rifle.