Enfield SMLE bolt question

[David H]

Wasn't quite sure whether to post this question here or on the British and Commonwealth forum, I plumped for here.......
I don't have any of the enfield books and was wondering if someone can tell me when the flat headed ribbed bolt was introduced as opposed to the round headed one. I've seen plenty of the ribbed variety in WWI SMLE's, but are they WWI bolts? or post war referbs.

I am asking as I've been offered a nice conditon 1916 SMLE with original wood and magazine cut off.... but it does have the ribbed head bolt...
does it really matter??

I already have nice 1917 without cut off and that has the round head bolt!!!

Any Educating gratefully recieved..

I pinched the pictures off the net just as examples...

[David H]

Earlier round headed bolt, but up to what date???

[David H]

Later ribbed bolt, but from what date? during WWI??

[TOULON44]

i think in the 20th but not sure i have seen a N° 1 Mk VI with a round headed bolt
bernard

[robcox1]

I checked Charles Stratton's books and he puts the ribbed cocking piece as being introduced for the first time on the No. 1 Mk. III*

Assuming that is correct, it would not be correct for a rifle that still has the magazine cutoff.

I have had a couple of No. 1 Mk. III* rifles that were made in 1917 and they both had the round cocking piece. That's hardly a large enough number of rifles to draw any conclusions, but considering what Stratton's book says I doubt the ribbed version would have been seen as early as 1916.

All of that being said, if the finish seems consistent with the finish on the bolt and the remainder of the rifle I don't think I would worry about it. If it stands out like a sore thumb then it shouldn't be hard to find a round one to replace it.

Rob