Rare-1896 Enfield LEC Cavalry Carbine Original matching Receiver & Barrel – Excellent Bore

This is an authentic 1896 Enfield L.E.C. I Cavalry Carbine, built on its matching-number receiver and barrel. The L.E.C. and L.E.C. I carbines are among the rarest early Lee-Enfield variants, as most surviving examples were sporterized during the early 20th century. This rifle has been professionally restored to full cavalry configuration using correct reproduction furniture, while retaining all the critical original numbered components that define its authenticity.

Original Components:

Matching-number receiver and barrel, marked “V.R. / ENFIELD 1896 / L.E.C. I”

Original 20.5-inch carbine barrel, bright bore with sharp rifling

Original ladder rear sight, fully functional

Original bolt, trigger group, bottom metal, and internal components

Period buttstock, previously refinished

Original Enfield magazine (non-matching, typical for this model)

Restoration Components:
As with most surviving L.E.C. carbines, this rifle was sporterized decades ago and later carefully restored. The following are modern reproduction parts commonly used in such restorations:

Nose cap

Mid-band

Fore-end wood

Upper handguard

These replacement parts restore the carbine’s correct cavalry profile, while preserving the historical integrity of the matching receiver and barrel assembly.

Condition:

Bore: clean, bright, with strong rifling

Action: smooth and reliable

Metal: retains original patina, never refinished

Wood: tight fit, well maintained, lightly oiled

Markings & Provenance:
This carbine bears both a Canadian Broad Arrow (C↟) on the wrist band and a British Broad Arrow on the trigger guard—evidence of initial British government ownership and subsequent Canadian military service. Such dual acceptance marks confirm its cross-service history between Britain and Canada.

Historical Significance:

Only about 13,926–18,000 units of the L.E.C. I were ever produced, making it one of the rarest Lee-Enfield models in existence. This example remains in exceptional condition, retaining its matching-number receiver and barrel, authentic configuration, and crisp markings. The bore is bright, the action cycles smoothly, and the rifle presents beautifully—a remarkably scarce early Enfield cavalry carbine.