Lot 1408: Rare Smith & Wesson Mark II Semi-Automatic 9mm Light Rifle

Developed in the late 1930s and early 1940s, the Smith & Wesson Light Rifle, aka the Model 1940, was conceived in response to a request by Great Britain for a lightweight semi-automatic rifle. S&W's response was mechanically novel, but in addition to being generally outclassed by other carbines and sub machine guns on the market, particularly the U.S. M1 Carbine. Its initial version, the MKI, suffered major ergonomic, mechanical, and structural issues. The Mark II of which only 80 units ultimately survived in the USA was an attempt to resolve some of those issues, integrating a metal sleeve that pulled double-duty as a safety device and reinforcement of the receiver, but it was too little, too late; the British shelved the Light Rifle, demanded a refund on their advance, and once the pressing matter of WWII was resolved, took their stock of unwanted Light Rifles and threw them in the channel, leaving only 80 survivors in the United States. Blade front and elevation adjustable notch rear sights, a fluted barrel, ribbed safety, signature combination magazine well/ejector port, and a smooth stock with a ribbed buttplate. Includes a letter from Smith & Wesson stating the weapon is a collector's item of historical interest and importance, but that it should never be loaded or fired. With original leather sling and one magazine, plus the factory warning tag on the left side of the stock.

Excellent. 98% original blue finish remains with light surface scratches, light edge wear, some scattered spotting, and handling marks overall. The stock has had two holes originally drilled on the left side for the sling mounting plat as shown in the photos.