SMALL ARMS WAR OFFICE 1906 PATTERN MINIATURE BOLT ACTION RIFLE. Cal. 310 Cadet. S# X01. Bbl. 25". In 1905, a committee of the British War Office met with representatives of the National Rifle Association and Society of Miniature Rifle Clubs to detail the specifications of a low power rifle that would meet the requirements of the civilian rifle clubs, schools, and other organizations that taught marksmanship in England. Research shows several notable different iterations of this rifle, with improvements made over the course of its production. This exact example is documented, pictured, and described on (rifleman.org.uk). Pertinent information on the website regarding this rifle state: "We have been made aware of another similar B.S.A. made rifle, reported as being of .310" Cadet calibre, that carries the serial number "X01".", "This is an earlier example, with patent pending, and with the barrel being dated 1907. It may well be the first of a very small number of these experimental models.", "We wondered if this rifle had possibly been later 'sporterized', as the fore-end finishes where the middle band would have been, and a sling-swivel has been fitted about an inch-and-a-half back from that point. We had initially assumed that the sling-swivel was incorporated with a new bedding screw into the barrel in the usual manner of other half-stocked BSA products of the time; but in fact the barrel is bedded only by the two screws into the action body at either end of the trigger-guard plate. The knowledgeable owner assures us that there is no evidence that the barrel has ever been fitted with a band, and certainly most 1906 Pattern War Office Miniature rifles were of half-stocked configuration, albeit not with free-floating barrels.". The top of the rnd. bbl. is marked "MADE BY/ THE BIRMINGHAM SMALL ARMS Co LD/ BIRMINGHAM 1907.", with BSA's 3 rifle logo above "B.S.A." marked on the flat portion towards the breech. Left side of the receiver is marked "P. PATENT.", followed by a crudely stamped "X01". Metal components exhibit a blue finish overall, save for on the bolt body, which is in-the-white. 1-piece plain wood pistol grip stock with SMLE pattern brass trapdoor buttplate. Stock has been sanded and refinished at one time, with the left side of the buttstock being marked with a faint BSA 3 rifle logo between "TRADE" and "MARK", followed by "X01". Toeline of butt and underside of forearm feature sling swivels. Fixed blade front sight with folding sight hood and rare tangent rear sight, graduated "100", "2", "3", "4", and "5". Left side of front sight hood and rear sight base exhibit patent information. Rear of receiver features a dovetail and 3 factory drilled and tapped holes for a folding aperture rear sight attachment. 1-piece bolt with semi-spherical bolt knob with flat lower face, features an unusual safety slide which locks the striker guide nut to the bolt. Matching apparent S# "X01" is present on the left side of the receiver and buttstock. CONDITION: metal components retain large amounts to the majority of their original factory blue finish, exhibiting areas of wear and thinning that are fading to brown patina (primarily visible under light), with scattered spots of light surface oxidation present overall. Bolt body exhibits areas of age related discoloration, with the handle and knob having faded to a mottled gray patina. Tip of bolt safety slide has broken off and is absent. Bore is relatively bright, exhibiting scattered spots of light pitting and some scattered patches of mild to moderate pitting, while retaining good to strong rifling throughout. Proper manual mechanics, save for the aforementioned bolt safety slide. Stock exhibits scattered superficial marks and minor impressions from handling and storage, with a crack present on the left side that is stemming from the receiver extension, a crack on either side of the buttstock towards the toe, as well as a repair on the toeline, just to the rear of the pistol grip. Stock is chipped at the upper buttplate tang. A unique and documented example of BSA's War Office 1906 Pattern Miniature rifles. PROVENANCE: From the Buckstix Collection. (25-6474/MLW). CURIO. $800-1,200.