Named for its designer, Captain H. C. Boys, the Boys anti-tank rifle was originally developed in the mid-1930s and was put to use in the early stages of World War II; soon rendered obsolete for its original duty of tank hunting in the European Theater as rapid advancements in tank armor proved effective against the .55 Boys cartridge. That said, the rifle was still put to good service throughout World War II against armored cars, enemy equipment, and snipers in cover too sturdy to punch through with conventional weapons, essentially becoming anti-material rifles decades before the term would be coined. They were used by Finland, who received material support from Allied nations during the Winter War against the Soviet Union, and many saw use by the British in North Africa against the Germans (the previous British manufactured Mk I examples). But while this was going on, the Boys rifle also found an audience with the United States Marine Corps, and examples such as this one, the improved Mk I* variation, were manufactured by Inglis in Canada on contract with the United States. Some of these saw successful use by the U.S. Marines against the Japanese in the Pacific. The tanks and small armored vehicles of the Imperial Japanese Army were less sophisticated when compared with their German counterparts and were ideal prey for the Boys rifle as were any light fortifications they came across. During the Raid on Makin Island, the U.S. Marine Raiders successfully destroyed two Japanese seaplanes carrying reinforcements on the water using a pair of Boys anti-tank rifles from land. "U.S. GOVt. PROPERTY", "R.B. Mk I" and "3T6149/INGLIS/1943" marked on the left of the receiver. Matching serial numbered barrel and bolt. Features the Mk I* pattern rectangular flash hider, left-offset blade front and fixed peep rear sight, and top-loading detachable five-round box magazine. The receiver is mounted in a shock-absorbing stock assembly with a rear pistol grip and an alloy buttplate with rubber-covered shoulder pad and a built-in oiler. Affixed with its folding two-leg bipod. Includes a Boys canvas magazine pouch. Many of these rifles were rebarreled and converted to .50 BMG after World War II for commercial sale, with this attractive example still chambered in its original .55 Boys caliber.

Very fine, retains 85% plus original parkerized finish showing some light handling marks and a few small patches of light surface corrosion and light pitting. The rubber butt pad is separating. Mechanically excellent. NOTE: This Destructive Device is a National Firearms Act (NFA), fully transferable Class 3, which is registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, (BATFE) under the provisions of 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44 and 27 CFR part 478.