Thorneycroft's Lee-Speed Rifle with firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson

Published on April 9, 2025
Duration: 17:25

This video provides an expert-level examination of a Lee Speed rifle owned by James Bird Thornycroft. Jonathan Ferguson of the Royal Armouries details the rifle's history, its connection to Thornycroft's bullpup designs, and the technical innovations of Thornycroft's patented tangent sight. The discussion covers the sight's windage adjustment mechanism, its automatic return-to-center feature, and the use of early plastics in its construction. The rifle's Webley & Scott barrel and the historical context of the Lee Speed designation are also explored.

Quick Summary

James Bird Thornycroft's personal Lee-Speed rifle, dated July 1904, features his patented tangent sight with a unique automatic return-to-center windage adjustment. The rifle's barrel was manufactured by Webley & Scott, and the sight's pinch buttons are made from early polymers.

Chapters

  1. 00:03Introduction to the Lee-Speed Rifle
  2. 00:25The Thornycroft Connection
  3. 01:00James Bird Thornycroft's Personal Rifle
  4. 02:07Biography of James Bird Thornycroft
  5. 03:37Identifying Thornycroft's Rifle
  6. 04:03Match Rifle Discipline Explained
  7. 04:46Thornycroft's Patent Backsight
  8. 05:28Tangent Sight Mechanism
  9. 06:50Windage Adjustment Feature
  10. 08:56Pinch Button Material
  11. 10:12Comparison with Bullpup Sight
  12. 11:00Fine Elevation Adjustment
  13. 11:41The Barrel: Webley & Scott
  14. 12:37What is a Lee Speed Rifle?
  15. 13:43Later Modifications: Scope Mounts
  16. 15:02Magazine Decoration
  17. 15:42Conclusion: A Significant Personal Rifle

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Lee Speed rifle and who patented it?

A Lee Speed rifle is the commercial variant of the Lee Enfield rifle or carbine. The 'Lee' part refers to James Paris Lee, a Canadian inventor who designed the action, and 'Speed' refers to Joseph J. Speed, a senior manager at the Royal Small Arms factory at Enfield who refined the design.

What is unique about James Bird Thornycroft's patented tangent sight?

Thornycroft's tangent sight features an innovative automatic return-to-center mechanism for windage adjustments. When the range is reset to its minimum setting, the sight automatically moves back to the center position, simplifying the shooter's process.

What material are the pinch buttons on Thornycroft's sight made from?

The pinch buttons on Thornycroft's tangent sight are made from an early polymer, possibly casein-based derived from milk or celluloid-based plastic. This is distinct from the typical solid steel or bone/horn materials found on similar mechanisms.

Who manufactured the barrel for James Bird Thornycroft's Lee-Speed rifle?

The barrel for James Bird Thornycroft's Lee-Speed rifle was manufactured by the renowned Webley & Scott company. Webley & Scott also appears to have built Thornycroft's prototype bullpup rifles.

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