Calling all Lithgow experts

[SMLE1927]

Hi everyone

New to the site and was hopping to get some knowledgeable opinions on the authenticity of my 1942 No1Mk3*. I acquired this rifle about a year ago. It was rebarreled in 1945 and has nice parkerized finish. The receiver and the barrel have matching numbers but the front sight and nose cap do not. What gives me pause is the bolt “matches” but it is missing the lettered prefix and is shiny metal from being ground down. I also feel like the font of the numbering might be different. Otherwise all parts have Australian markings and the buttstock has been sanded by someone but I can very faintly see 194...and possibly a 3 above the sling swivel. The coachwood forend has the brass recoil blocks installed.No jj&co stamps anywhere on the rifle. My question after this long winded post is what are the chances this rifle was rebarreled, refinished and sanded at lithgow in 1945 as opposed to someone bubba’ing it after the fact? It has no FTR marks and I’m unsure what the process of rifle refurbishment actually looked like at lithgow in the 40’s. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zfN7c8BpBsHk4D8fDqEVKittnoTci_mk/view?usp=drivesdk

https://drive.google.com/file/d/156uvYfYguHmHeVi8PF0LufNK7TX3q1M0/view?usp=drivesdk

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pXWu0VjO9SV7gBrObnCs7we9CtabGbMH/view?usp=drivesdk

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vp6W1sKNcXPae3qgtG19nFfOE0ij73Ba/view?usp=drivesdk

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[browningautorifle]

Can you just post pics here? I was access denied and am waiting for an email for these. Guys will be able to help if they can see...

[SMLE1927]

Sorry I forgot the permissions, should work now. I’m afraid I’m technologically challenged browningautorifle!!

[browningautorifle]

You can email them to me and I'll post them if you like...I'll message you an address...

[browningautorifle]

Here are the pics he posted...have a look...

[browningautorifle]

Yes, looks like Australian and a definite remark of a bolt. Nice rifle though...

[SMLE1927]

Thanks again for the help, Browning. I forgot to post links to the underside of the bolt vs the top of the receiver, but they also do not match. I assume if Lithgow refurbished the rifle they Would have matching numbers. I’m not too concerned either way, it’s in good shape and the bore is very good.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/12tKnDWMU1SXqygSWO1ngnjhVQHYpkSpN/view?usp=drivesdk

https://drive.google.com/file/d/153wstKigzd9QGHgbrSyS1yhccqheRxKH/view?usp=drivesdk

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UlU6r1s4-uLmG_sSRcqxwrFSnDzz5qyx/view?usp=drivesdk

[mrclark303]

A warm welcome to the forum!

If it was part of the refurbished 1945 Lithgows, it would certainly be matching numbers.

It would also clearly show a Lithgow ftr date on the butt in this format '08/45' or similar.

If you intend to shoot her, as ever, safety first.... ensure the bolt is evenly baring on the lugs and it's head spaced correctly.

She certainly looks nice, let us know how she shoots.

[mrclark303]

Is that a No4 butt?

[browningautorifle]

Is that a No4 butt?

I don't think the buttplate would fit correctly if it were. Besides, they made them right up to 1950 I think...