-
Gun Show buy
Just got home from a local gun show and bought a SMLE. I have a 52 Fazakerley but needed a WWII era rifle for the collection. This one is in good condition but the fore guards have been changed at some point it time. Here's some info on it.
It has on the stock:
M.A.
LITHGOW
S.M.L.E.
III
1942
and then stamped off to the side of that is a large HV.
The stock to receiver band is stamped:
M.A.
LITHGOW
S.M.L.E.
III
1941 below that.
Behind the trigger guard is written Australia. What does the M.A. and HV stand for? Any info you can give me will be appreciated! I will try to post pics tomorrow. Paid $280 for it, hope that's a decent buy.
-
Check the the Australia - Milsurp Knowledge Library (click here).
There's a 1944 ShtLE No.1 MkIII* Infantry Rifle (Manufactured by Lithgow, Australia) (click here).
Compare the markings on what you have against the 42 pic virtual tour in that MKL entry.
Here's a link that will help with official markings. :thup:
It's a site provided by Amatikulu with some good information to bookmark for the future.
Lee Enfield Rifle Markings (click here)
MA = Manufacturer's mark for Lithgow, New South Wales ,Australia
HV = Sighted for Mark VII high velocity ammunition
Pics would help, but $280 sounds pretty good to me ... ;)
Regards,
Badger
-
Made some pics of Litgow 303
-
Cocking piece on the bolt is definately incorrect. Where are the importer's markings ?
-
import marks
-
M.A. is the identification marking for the Lithgow Factory in New South Wales, Australia.
H.V. is a marking that means High Velocity and indicates that the rifle was sighted for the Mark VII ammunition (most common military)
The Crown over the L and P between crossed pennants is a proof mark for the Lithgow Factory showing the receiver passed proof.
I'm sure you know the sling is incorrect.
The rifle type is a No.1 Mark III* as indicated on the butt stock and butt socket.
The date on the butt (1942) is the date that part was finished and it is not uncommon to see a different date on the butt to that on the receiver(1941) as the production of these items was not well synchronized at the start of the war.
The Australia stamp is I believe an indication of the origin of the import to the USA, required by USA import rules around the 1960's. I'm not certain of this as I haven't found definite proof and am simply repeating what I have ben told by others.
BA is a mark for the Bathurst factory in Australia that made parts for Lithgow.
Here in Florida, the price you paid is fair.
-
sling
Yep looking for a proper sling and bayonet currently. So the Australia stamp would be an import mark, makes sense, because why would the Australians need to know it was an Australian rifle. Thanks for your input!
