This seldom encountered variation of Pattern 14 sniper rifle was converted to this configuration during the inter-war period. Sniper rifles in this configuration were primarily used as training rifles at the various sniper schools in England before the development of the British Enfield No. 4 Mk I (T) sniper rifles, which became the standard World War II British sniper rifle. These were built in a few different configurations utilizing surplus World War I British Pattern 14 service rifles and leftover prismatic rifle scopes of the period, which were removed from British depot stores for use in the conversion. This rifle, originally made as a standard Pattern 14, had its protective ears on the rear receiver bridge around the rear sight completely milled off in the inter-war period and is fitted with a left side mounted surplus World War I production Aldis Brothers No. 3 scope in a long bridge type mount. This configuration is designated as the No. 3 Mk I* (T) A, with the "A" indicating Aldis. They were reportedly not issued for actual field use during World War II, because they did not conform to the standard over the bore configuration like the No. 4 Mk I (T) sniper rifle that was adopted in late 1941. Only approximately 400 were made. 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 correctly 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 an Alex Martin mount. The mount is soldered to the underside of the scope. The front portion of the mount is attached to the upper area of the barrel and the left rear of the receiver. The left of the mount is matching serial numbered "193100" to the rifle. The World War I surplus scope has the standard three post reticle, marked "ALDIS BROTHERS/BIRMINGHAM/No 67732./1916." on the objective in four lines and inscribed with number "7320" on the tube. The rifle has the correct matching numbered Winchester Pattern 14 bolt. 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 brass unit disc marked "NP/29". Information and pictures of other examples of these No. 3 Mk I* (T) A sniper rifles can be found on pages 101-103 of the book "The British Sniper" by Ian Skennerton.

Very fine with 80% plus of the correct arsenal refurbished blue/black metal finish, light wear overall, loss on the barrel bands, and the bolt arsenal polished. Stock is also very fine with some scattered dings and light handling marks. The scope and mount retain 85% of their black painted finish overall, with finish loss on the objective, and hazy optics. Mechanically excellent. A very scarce example of a British Winchester Pattern 14 No.3 Mk I* (T) A sniper rifle that would make a fine addition to any British Military or sniper collection.