This rifle was developed in the late 1930s as a inter-war substitute rifle that was used primarily as a training rifle before the development of the British Enfield No.4 MkI(T) sniper rifles, which became the standard WWII British sniper rifle. This series of rifles was actually based on the original British Pattern 14 service rifles that were produced during WWI, which were removed from British depot stores for use in the conversion. The actual process consisted of removing the rear sight and completely milling off the protective ears (on the rear receiver bridge). The rifles were then fitted on the left side with a side mounted Aldis Brothers No. 3 commercial 2.5X hunting scope in a long bridge type mount. Once converted, these were designated as the No.3 MkI*(T)(A) sniper rifle. They were never issued for actual field use during WWII like the WWI Pattern 14 and Enfield No.4 MkI(T) rifles, because they did not conform to the standard over the bore sniper rifle like the No.4 MkI(T) that was adopted in late 1941. This nonstandard offset scope configuration was the primary reason that they were held in England and used as training rifles at the various sniper schools in England. The top of the receiver ring is blank except for the "Crown/BNP" firing proof, and the "W" prefix serial number is on the lower right edge. The barrel is also unmarked and undated. The left side of the receiver has the small British broad arrow proof followed by the "Crossed Pennants" over a single "P" proof, indicating that the rifle was accepted by the British Government. The rifle, as noted, is fitted with a No.3 Aldis Brothers scope that is held in a Alex Martin mount. The mount is soldered to the underside of the scope and held in place on the left side in two places; the front portion is attached to the upper area of the barrel and the rear to the left side of the receiver which is held on by two large screws, one on top and the other one through the side of the receiver. The scope has the standard three post reticle. The rifle has the correct pattern 1914 bolt which has been numbered to the rifle and is marked on the underside "NS" for nickel steel along with the letter "W" for Winchester. It has the correct, 1914 pattern full length semi-pistol grip walnut stock with finger grooves on the sides fitted with the base (only) for the volley sight on the left side. The right side of the buttstock has the standard "circled IW/PATT 14" markings followed by the unmarked brass unit disc.

Very fine overall with 80% plus of the correct arsenal refurbished blue/black metal finish, light wear overall, blue loss on the barrel bands and front exposed section of the barrel, and the bolt having been polished. The stock and handguard are both in very fine condition with a dark walnut color overall and clear stock proofs. The scope and mount retain 90% of their black painted finish overall, with finish loss on the ends of the scope tube, and clear optics. Mechanically excellent. A very nice looking No.3 MkI*(T)(A) Pattern sniper rifle.