I have this old Enfield

[jdmcomp]

NoIII* Enfield 1918. As you can see in the attached pictureAttachment 69173 the serial number has be struck out and a new one struck below it. I am not at all familiar with the inspection/acceptance marks on the receiver but I believe it has had Australian service. Can anyone explain why the serial number has be struck? Thanks in advance, and it is quite an honor to hold much less shoot such an old warrior.

Information

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[Bindi2]

That is not the serial number. That was the inventory number for the 2nd Military District. The serial number is L 245?

[jdmcomp]

Thanks, and where was the 2nd Military District? I am curious as to how you would know this is an inventory number. I love to learn new facts. Thanks, John McP

[Bindi2]

The Number under the D^D looks like a 2 to me ?. 2 is NSW in Australia the number under that was the inventory number as serial numbers occurred more than once so were not reliable as a ownership number hence the inventory number.
The stylized R stamp indicates rust in the barrel.

[5thBatt]

Here's a 1907 BSA MkIII 3MD marked rifle that has had 2 Inventory numbers struck out, the rifles original sn is U2007





This one is a 1917 Lithgow MkIII also 3MD marked that has the Inventory number still intact with the original sn below it, from your 1 photo it would appear yours has been restocked in Aussie Coachwood but if you are lucky enough you might have the original butt with the Inventory number stamped into it which you can see below the X'd out CMF 3MD

[CINDERS]

jdmcomp either Skennerton books will give you a good read as will the E B Reynolds book A Century of the Lee Metford is the cheaper of the Skennerton books they are very well researched.
There are plenty out there but Skennertons are pretty much considered the go to ones but like all material there is always more........
Have fun

[jdmcomp]

The buttstock has the original number stamped behind the pistol grip and not struck. It also has MAO 6/45 on the side. Bolt handle has non matching number to receiver. All of the wood seems to match in patina very well and seems to be the original. Wood does not look like my 45 Lithgow so I think it original. The old girl is in very good shape for her age (hope I am aging as well as this rifle) and gives me shivers to think of where she might have been and what she has done. While not a collector of the SMLE, I have a few representing the various conflicts they were present for. Thanks very much for the information, makes the rifle all the more interesting.

[A square 10]

mine is a 1915 BSA 3MD , its only got one struck out inventory number , to the OP "Thanks, and where was the 2nd Military District? " it is Australian service , post a few more photos

[CINDERS]

2MD = New South Wales