My new 42 Lithgow, FTRd 1950

[artyldr01]

Well, the third of my four LEs is now home. My 1942 Lithgow FTRd in 1950. I attempted to disassemble it and get photos of the Barrel markings but the two bottom stock screws will NOT come out. I even chipped a bit of wood (%&$*#!!!) by the screw trying. I have received my copy of Skennerton's Books (The Lee Enfield and Broad Arrow) and am digging for my own answers now. But I do have a couple questions.

1. Compared to my other two LEs the magazine in this one rattles quite a bit. Is this normal or likely because it isn't the magazine that came with it? It also has a 3 on the front lip, a 2 on the upper rear rib, and a 42 on the bottom rear rib. Any ideas on the multiple markings? I see no number on the follower just the "A" in the star.

2. During the FTR process would they have re-marked a "new" bolt to match the rifle Serial Number? This one is clearly not the bolt that came with the rifle (both by SN and by the marking under the bolt and on the right rear of the receiver not matching; I can't remember what they are called).

3. There are multiple stamps on the rear of the receiver/top of the butt socket. On the left by where the safety mounts is a somewhat haphazardly applied 3, 1 and 4. On the left butt socket to the right of the safety spring, is a 5. On the right rear above the butt and in front of the J904 stamp is, what appears to be a BA... I think I just answered that question. The BA is Bathurst Rifle Factory No. 2, NSW, but I couldn't understand why a "MA" manufactured rifle would also have a BA stamp, but DUH that is the nature of sub-contracting. the MA Lithgow built the rifle but BA made the receiver.

4. There is a J in a circle on the top of the Butt stock right behind the receiver. Can't find that mark in either book. Slaz 42 marking along with proof on the bottom of the wrist and the matching SN is marked faintly on the forearm, love that!

5. The nosecap is BSA proofed (as is the trigger) but it has the holes milled in the sight protectors. The left side is a circle the right side is squared with a semi-circle top. In Skennerton's book it says this was a 1956 Armourer's Instruction (pg. 339), yet my rifle was FTR'd in 1950. Does this perhaps indicate JJCo messing around (it is marked JJCo faintly under the bridge) or just an earlier initiative that led to the 56 AI?

Well, I hope you like it, I certainly do! I have inadvertently acquired a British built rifle (1905 MkI***) a Canadian built rifle (1943 MkI*) a Australian (this 42 MkIII*) and have an 1965 Ishapore 2A1 on layaway. I guess all I need is a Pakistani and Savage (though I own a US Model 1917 which is a kissing cousin of the Pattern 14...close enough? LOL) and I'll have one of every place of manufacture!

Thanks to all for the great fellowship and knowledge.

Niels

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[artyldr01]

Couple more.