Does matching bayonet and scabbard play a big factor in value?

[MrBottleneck]

Fellas I have a Lee Enfield No4 MK2 Irish (54) contract rifle.
I have only shot it once (the bore is pristine). I bought it from an older gentleman selling off his collection. He said he had it for about 40 years.
What makes this one so unique is not only is the rifle all matching even the bayonet and scabbard match the rifle serial number.
I have seen very few where everything matches.
Thinking I could use the funds for other projects.
I have seen these go for what now seems huge amounts.
But, the bayonet and scabbard obviously didnt match on them.

What do you think this adds to its collectability?
Any idea on what to ask?

Prices are going up should I hang on to it or sell?

 

[Dusty Stevens]

How much is a lee enfield even worth? Id bet one in your condition with those accessories would be worth double the regular rifle price to a collector

 

[MrBottleneck]

How much is a lee enfield even worth? Id bet one in your condition with those accessories would be worth double the regular rifle price to a collector

Beats me what its worth Dusty. Thats kinda why I posted as maybe someone with collector insight might chime in.
I have seen them on GB for $900. in mummy wrap but, those didnt have matching bayonet and scabbard to rifle #.
Just your average nice No4 now is selling for about $400. best I can tell.
Maybe someone on here might be interested in it as well?
Someone will surely chime in.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Id offer it up for a collector but if you dont need the money right now may be a bad time to sell it. Seems more of an AR and RPR time we live in

 

[hpshooter]

"What do you think this adds to its collectability?
Any idea on what to ask"

36th edition of Fjestad's Blur Book of Gun Values list the No.4 Mk2 post war production from Fazakerley [ROF(F)] at $1000 for 100% down to $400 for 60% condition minus 10% if the rifle does not have the matching # bayonet. States that Irish contract rifles imported to the US in the early 90's came
in waxed gauze wrappings with a matching bayonet.

No. 4 Mk2's were also made in the early 70's on ex-Fazakerley machinery at Wah Cantt Pakistan, same value.

Possible ball park starting point.

 

[300_whisper]

I would keep it. The Irish contract enfields are a rarity and have cool historical value well beyond their actual value.

 

[Bindi2]

Its not rare more uncommon. Value is what the market on the day will pay. Keep it well oiled inside and out the value will only increase the older it gets. NOT all No4 Mk2s are Irish in fact most aren't check the serial number block.

 

[Downhill]

there is the "I want it factor". Collectors who focus in one area such as Enfields, Springfields or Garands will on occasion pay premiums on items of sheer interest. I would focus on those groups.

 

[MrBottleneck]

Thanks fellas for chiming in.

"NOT all No4 Mk2s are Irish in fact most aren't check the serial number block.."
Yes Bindi I know that and yes it positively is an Irish contract btw.

 

[JSH]

A lot of good advice.
I would not guarantee it to go up in value just because it is getting older. I have seen Krags and 03’s go through some swings, actually brought more several years back.

I see them like model T’s and A’s. There was a certain age group that wanted them, there are less of these people every day. These cars bring way less than they did in the 70’s and 80’s.

 

[Centuriator]

Just look on eBay for anything you are selling for market pricing.