Collection of SMLEs

Thought I'd add in a couple of photos of some of the SMLEs I have in my collection at the moment.

The picture of the 5 rifles are my 'ex-AIF' (Australian Imperial Force) rifles. Two 1913 Lithgows, two 1914 Lithgows and a 15 Lithgow. These rifles have a myriad of British, South African and Canadian markings on them. This would be due to them being handed into British ordnance post-Gallipoli and being refurbed and then handed out to other forces in France.

One of the 1914 Lithgows still retains its original 2nd Military District markings and South African markings - the fact it still retains its Australian markings points to it probably being one of the rifles that 10% of soldiers from each troopship to France from Egypt had to take and these were refurbed at local ordnance depots in France for a quick change to the rear sights rather than going back to EFD or BSA for a full refurb and scrubbing of all Australian markings.

The 1915 Lithgow has a nice 1940 dated barrel which is possibly an indicator of being one of the couple of hundred thousand rifles (ex-BEF) that were sent to EFD to be refurbed post-Dunkirk due to exposure to the elements, worn from use etc.

Happy days gents.

Very nice rackful. Wish I was c loser to be able to examine a couple...

Indeed, one heck of a lineup.

Marty what’s the serial number on your 1913s i have 160 still sighted for mk6 ammo i have 3 x 1914 and 3x 1915s and 2 1916s 1 x 1917 and 1 x 1918 . Great collection mate have you shot the 1913s or are they DP rifles ?

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Originally Posted by mattyboy82

Thought I'd add in a couple of photos of some of the SMLEs I have in my collection at the moment.

The picture of the 5 rifles are my 'ex-AIF' (Australian Imperial Force) rifles. Two 1913 Lithgows, two 1914 Lithgows and a 15 Lithgow. These rifles have a myriad of British, South African and Canadian markings on them. This would be due to them being handed into British ordnance post-Gallipoli and being refurbed and then handed out to other forces in France.

One of the 1914 Lithgows still retains its original 2nd Military District markings and South African markings - the fact it still retains its Australian markings points to it probably being one of the rifles that 10% of soldiers from each troopship to France from Egypt had to take and these were refurbed at local ordnance depots in France for a quick change to the rear sights rather than going back to EFD or BSA for a full refurb and scrubbing of all Australian markings.

The 1915 Lithgow has a nice 1940 dated barrel which is possibly an indicator of being one of the couple of hundred thousand rifles (ex-BEF) that were sent to EFD to be refurbed post-Dunkirk due to exposure to the elements, worn from use etc.

Happy days gents.

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Originally Posted by smerdon42

Marty what’s the serial number on your 1913s i have 160 still sighted for mk6 ammo i have 3 x 1914 and 3x 1915s and 2 1916s 1 x 1917 and 1 x 1918 . Great collection mate have you shot the 1913s or are they DP rifles ?

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They’re 1124 and 1615. I’ve shot one of the 1913s but the other one is being restored. Bought it for bugger from Canada last year and it was a sporter. I also have 3 1915s and 2 1916s. Missed out on a 1914 last year and that annoyed me haha. There’s also 2 1953s in the other photo too but one will eventually be restored.

I picked up both the 1913s for about $2000 Aussie dollars all up from Britain and Canada so they were actually bargains considering what they go for.

"Very nice rackful. Wish I was c loser to be able to examine a couple..."

Let us know if you want close up photos of some of them.

Matty , ar you in australia? I am going to bring mine back from the USA when i move back , already got my licence in ACT . So now i have to do my PTA when i ge track and hte import to australia with border force . It might take a while but i have a couple of years to get them back .
I am located in Canberra and south coast when back home .


QUOTE=mattyboy82;530450]"Very nice rackful. Wish I was c loser to be able to examine a couple..."

Let us know if you want close up photos of some of them.[/QUOTE]

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Originally Posted by smerdon42

matty , ar you in australia? I am going to bring mine back from the usa when i move back , already got my licence in act . So now i have to do my pta when i ge track and hte import to australia with border force . It might take a while but i have a couple of years to get them back .
I am located in canberra and south coast when back home .

I just moved back to gold coast! Was in newcastle for the last 18 months. I go to canberra about 3 or 4 times a year with work so sounds like i’ll have to take some time away whilst i’m down there and check out your rifles haha.

I do a bit of importing of my rifles so if you wants some good contacts i know a couple to help out.


Quote=mattyboy82;530450]"very nice rackful. Wish i was c loser to be able to examine a couple..."

let us know if you want close up photos of some of them.

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[/quote]

Matty i will send you a message QUOTE=mattyboy82;530462][/quote][/QUOTE]