Lithgow No1 MkIII* HT Sniper Rifle Survey

Lithgow No1 MkIII* HT Sniper Rifle Survey

Just looking at my profile and making a couple of changes (a bit older, plus a career change...) and noticed the second anniversary of my membership here was just the other day. Membership has mutiplied by over 25 times and the board has grown from a single mixed discussion to the broad range of topics and archived knowledge we currently enjoy.

:beerchug: Here's to Badger and the "Founding Fathers" of Milsurps.com.

And to keep the posting "on topic", here's a list of questions I have had posted on another forum regarding my research into the Lithgow No1 MkIII* HT sniper rifles. Over the last few years I have, through these questions and other means, built up a large spreadsheet of information from over 100 rifles, or nearly 8% of production. If anyone here wishes to contribute (quite a few of the members already have through the other board) please read the cut and paste below.


This survey had been going for a couple of years in it's original form on the old Gunboards site. The posting had 11,225 hits up untill the site was transfered (and another 2,730 on the new board untill today). I had been gathering the data provided on these rifles and between this forum and other contacts I have information on over 100 rifles. To contributors I offer to answer any questions I can in return for their HT's details. The only things I won't tell are exact locations or any personal details (.....if these things become known to me during the process) If you'd rather not share your rifle details on line, let me know and I will e-mail you the questions. To anybody else who so wish, please feel free to comment or ask about stuff you'd like to see. It's all about expanding everyone's knowledge.

Anyway, here's the list of questions. If you are unsure about anything, just ask. I check the forum almost daily. Thankyou.

1)Rifle serial number?
2)Receiver manufacturer?
3)Receiver year stamp?
4)Butt date stamp? (none?)
5)Butt size (S, N, L) "H" stamp?
6)Barrel date stamp?
7)Engraved Scope serial number?
8)Scope brass eyepiece ring stamped number?
9)Mount ring stamped number?
10)Mount base stamped number
11)Mount type (high or low)?
12)Nosecap ears modified for sight adjustment?
13)Kingscrew swivel fitted?
14)Preservative paint under woodwork?
15)Cheekpiece fitted to butt?
16)Comments? (anything you think needs a mention eg extra markings etc...)



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I have a 1920 Lithgow No 1 Mark 3 and am having problems getting a new
magazine to fit it. I have a Mark 4 rifle and the magazine will fit the Mk3. I have a extra magazine that looks and fits the Mk 4, but will not fit the Mk3
My jungle Mk 5 magazine will not fit the Mk3. It too looks like the Mk4. Which magazine goes with this Australian Mk 3. Will the earlier magazine with
the rotation follower retaining tab suppose to fit it? Answer to judobaise@bellsouth.net. Thanks!!

Ive just got a Lithgow HT serial No 9016, receiver manufacturer enfield, date of receiver 1907. Initial made into a HT 1945, FTR'd at Lithgow 1954. Scope matches receiver. Internal s/n of scope matches ring S/n. Have one broken lense in scope (rear most pair) desperately seeking this component. Any ideas?

Hello tbonesmith. Welcome to the forum and to ownership of a Lithgow Sniper.

I'm afraid internal parts (or any parts for that matter) of the scopes are virtually non existant. A group got together a little while ago to try to reverse- engineer the scopes in an attempt to come up with diagrams for making repair parts. Peter Laidler had a couple of lenses made, as a test, but I'm pretty sure they were objective lenses. Anyway, they were sold to recoup the cost of making them.

One suggestion is to have a lens set made by taking them to an optics manufacturer and asking them to reproduce the sample. Perhaps start with a couple of phone calls to see if you can get anyone interested in the challenge.
I suppose it will come down to just how much money you are willing to put into it, I'm afraid. Is it unservicable the way it is?

It is unservicable as it is. I've contacted a couple of optical prototyping businesses but no joy. It looked to me that the rear most 2 lenses were a pair, as in identical. Do you know if this is the case?
I know of a pattern 1918 english manufactured scope for sale for $1800, what do think I'd get for this, less the critical lense on e-bay. I'd imaging just for parts I could get $1000 mabe more? What do you recon? If I could get that it might be the way to go.

If I remember correctly, there was a difference in the way the lenses were mounted. The English parts may not fit. If you could hold out for a bit, I'll ask someone who may know.

Finished.

WOW! Congrats on a great job. All that's missing here is a target with a few holes in the middle! Do you plan on trying it out? I could never resist...

Tested it at 50m at St. Marys indoor range on Tuesday and it was shooting about an inch 5 shot groups, with the 4 load I used. I'm going to shoot it at Malabar in a scoped service shoot on Saturday week, if it performs well, I'll sell it to make way for a new project, A No4 T...

Very nice work partner ... :super:

Appreciate the pics ...

Regards,
Badger

Greetings All,
I purchased this low mount (I believe its technically called a medium mount)rifle (sn#70657) and submitted my paperwork on 1 Sept 2001. It took 8-9 months to receive it from Australia but I'm glad I did it.:dancingbanana: It is one of the jewels in my collection. The rifle/scope is matching and complete. I didn't have time between the deployments over the past years to fire it and am hoping to one day to see what she can do. That will have to wait until I get back to the US though.

The chest is not an original item but I had a friend build it for me. The transit chest needed to be slightly longer in order to accomadate a No1 Mk III properly. The rifle just looked "naked" :move eek:without one and I had the crate stenciled with what I thought would be appropriate nomenclature (if it existed):dunno:

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...YA3iikbl-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...g57Zmrxl-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...JED6EpZl-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...9dGwkZTl-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...w2sDUBil-1.jpg


Best Regards,
Michael

Thankyou for re-aquainting me and the guys here with your rifle, Michael. I believe to this day it's definately one of the five best Lithgow HT's I've ever seen.... :bow:

When you do get to fire it, don't forget to take more pics. We love range reports here too! :beerchug:

Cheers,
Brad.

Found rifle No 42951 welded up tighter than a drum. Army museum W.A.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bindi2

Found rifle No 42951 welded up tighter than a drum. Army museum W.A.

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Thankyou, Bindi. I'm afraid that every one you see in a Military Museum on permanent display will be welded up solid. There's a couple at Bandianna too, not sure how many here were done...

Is there anything else you can tell me about it? Highmount (should be) cheekpiece? nosecap ears mod?... I'm assuming it was behind glass- not easy to get details off.
I've added it to the survey.

Lithgow Mk111, high mount, no cheekpiece, sorry that is all too many tears.

I have a N#1 mk111 sniper i purchased off Simon Lawrence in Sydney some years ago for what would seem a pittance now,
here is the info on said rifle.
1.it has twonumbers on the reciever
at the small of the bolt end is D4448
at the breech end B2326
2.Lithgow 1922
3.unknown
4.MA 2/45
5. L
6.Not original was a replacement barrel that i bought later but was an original lithgow manufacture heavy.
7.30420
8.cant see it?
9.1410
10.cant see any
11.low
12.not modified
13.no
14.no
15. yes
16.has early windage sights fitted, and i had the scope re built in canberra by a bloke who does alsorts of scope rebuilding, it is now crystal clear with no fungus growing inside of it.

Thankyou, fergs and welcome to milsurps.com.
You would be right about the price you paid compared to what they are pulling now. If we only knew then what we know now....

I'll get your rifle's details input into my spreadsheet over the next couple of days and give you a rundown on any information I can get from the details and cross referencing them. In the meantime, is there anything you need to know?
Have a good look around this site and visit the Knowledge Library for good information on just about anything milsurp. Great bunch of people here, just join in and enjoy. :beerchug:

Regards,
Brad.

thanks for the heads up, have been looking around already only figured out how to finally activate my acount yesterday. Have already posted some questions on a no4 that is in 7.62 look forward to many questions on my collection to be answered in the future. But for now i will enjoy the site.
Regards
Fergs.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by fergs

thanks for the heads up, have been looking around already only figured out how to finally activate my acount yesterday. Have already posted some questions on a no4 that is in 7.62 look forward to many questions on my collection to be answered in the future. But for now i will enjoy the site.
Regards
Fergs.

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here are some pics of the beastie to enjoy.

I'd just like to point out to all you H.T Owners how cruel it is to post pistures in front of us who dont own one..

Ill need therapy now!

My sincere appologies for that, Imagine my suprise when a freind of mine who had been on a shooting and conservation trip was offered an old no1 mk111 which had a reasonable barrel on it and was still militarily configured, which he then proceeded to pay $50 for it just to keep the old farmer happy as he wanted to dispose of it. When this rifle was brought up in conversation, the curios thing was it was drilled and tapped and had a heavy barrel. Straight away the old ears pricked up and those rusty old cogs got to grinding. What would be the posibility of this being an original sniper. Upon mentioning this my freind got in contact with an aquaintance who was also a gun smith and hey presto lo and behold it was. The said pot of gold was then subsequently traded for a no1 mk111 marksman variant and a mosin nagant sniper repro.
So i suppose the moral to the story is you dont have to be rich sometimes just in the right spot at the right time.
Happy hunting
Regards
Fergs

There's always a degree of luck involved when you score a rarity. Bushy's turn will come- let's hope he hasn't put too much coin down on therapy to take the opportunity when it does!

BTW Fergs, I'll get back to you later in the week about your rifle. Looks like I'm heading back into Hospital for a couple of days....

Son, i work for a government department so therapy probably couldn't hurt anyway.

On the topic of H.T's, i just saw that one went on an australian sales website for 7 thousand bucks... not bad coin for the seller.

hello son any good news for me yet?
Hope your feeling better after hospital.
Regards
Fergs

Quote:

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Originally Posted by fergs

hello son any good news for me yet?
Hope your feeling better after hospital.
Regards
Fergs

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Fergs, mate! Humblest apologies. The world has done a few backflips on us in the last couple of months and I haven't had the time (or the inclination) to scratch myself! I'll get off my butt and put together some info for you shortly.

Sorry again , mate.

Brad.

Thanks that hit the spot, Gives me a very good idea of where the old girl came from and some of her histroy. Once again thankyou for that.

Regards
Fergs

)Rifle serial number?
39953
2)Receiver manufacturer?
Lithgow
3)Receiver year stamp?
1916
4)Butt date stamp? (none?)
MA 9/47
5)Butt size (S, N, L) "H" stamp?
L under wrist; H stamp on top of wrist
6)Barrel date stamp?
no
7)Engraved Scope serial number?
"Rifle No 23418"
8)Scope brass eyepiece ring stamped number?
none
9)Mount ring stamped number?
1710
10)Mount base stamped number
671
11)Mount type (high or low)?
Low -
12)Nosecap ears modified for sight adjustment?
Yes
13)Kingscrew swivel fitted?
Yes
14)Preservative paint under woodwork?
No
15)Cheekpiece fitted to butt?
No
16)Comments? (anything you think needs a mention eg extra markings etc...)
scope is Patt 1918 (Aust)/1 = low mount scope - Skennerton lists this No 23418 as a high scope.

Call Unertl in Mar's PA. They are reopened under a differant owner a US Officer. Same workers. I would be FLOORED if they wouldn't be interested and I don't think they would charge that much to replicate the lenses for an authentic historical sniper rifle. GOOD LUCK!

I know this is a little off Topic. I was able to Purchase a MUEs sight no1 improved off of Ebay recently. It is in great shape for the age. When I bought it I really didn't know what it was. Any how I have done a lot of research to identify the model. The interesting thing about this sight is that it's Stamped MUES twice where it's supposed to be one on top of the other. Would that effect the value? and heck what is the value of this site. I am positive it is authentic. It's not the only thing I have with 100 year old bluing.. Thank you

Hi, JerryB08.
If you post this in the main forum threads below you should get a few responses. There are a couple of aperture sight collectors here who can fill you in on all the details. Also mention about the lenses below, too.

Hi Brad,

Survey questions as follows:

1)Rifle serial number: 44462
2)Receiver manufacturer: Lithgow
3)Receiver year stamp: 1916
4)Butt date stamp:none
5)Butt size cant see it looks normal size
6)Barrel date stamp: 7 /45
7)Engraved Scope serial number: 44462
8)Scope brass eyepiece ring stamped number: 905
9)Mount ring stamped number: 905
10)Mount base stamped number: 905
11)Mount type: high
12)Nosecap ears modified for sight adjustment: no
13)Kingscrew swivel fitted: no
14)Preservative paint under woodwork: don't know, looks greasy / dark.
15)Cheekpiece fitted to butt: yes
16)Comments? underside of top wood has slaz 53 markings, maybe replaced at later date, trigger guard has english marking with arrow mark, rear sight is stamped on sight bed with a little 6 or 9 with a large F. Trigger guard / housing has green paint on top edge. On top of Barrel is stamped, Near knox R, P then H.
Scope optics a very good and barrel is very good to excellent condition. Would love to know more if possible. This one came from TASMANIA and was purchased by a ex serviceman for $15 pounds when he left the army, so I was told.
cheers

john

pics to come as soon as i work it out

Here are some pics of my new purchase 1916 Lithgow High mount.

It took a while to get one.

Here are some better larger photo's

Sorry guys I am terrible at this.

JB303

Looks like a beauty.

I purchased what I believe is a Mk III* HT sniper.

I would greatly appreciate if you or any of your followers could verify this for me.

The action is a 1917 Lithgow.
It's on 1942 Slaz wood.
It has the "H" stamp.
It came with two scopes: one with the rifle serial number electro penciled on the scope.
The serial number is 844886.
The rifle is in "excellent plus" condition.
I viewed the gun in person twice, but it is in another state and I won't receive it for a little while as I need to wait for it to go thru our respective FFL's.
I do not have any Skenneeton books as this is my first Enfield.
If it is a real Lithgow Mk III* HT, it is the gun buy of my life as I did not pay much for the gun.

Thank you.
Hank

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Hank F

I purchased what I believe is a Mk III* HT sniper.

I would greatly appreciate if you or any of your followers could verify this for me.

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Hello Hank and welcome to the forums ... :thup:

Pictures would be useful and help you get more informed opinions ...

Also, check the MKL and compare yours against the hundreds of close up pics displayed for both versions of the HT snipers.

1917/1945 No.1 MkIII* H.T. Sniper Rifle (Short Bracket)

1916/1945 No.1 MkIII* H.T. Sniper Rifle (Medium Bracket)

Hope that helps... :cheers:

Regards,
Doug

Hank, you need to check the serial number again, mate... too many digits in that one. From the little you have said here, it may be a genuine HT, there are serial numbers 84466, 84486 and 84866 on the list of rifles converted... if so, the first was completed and sent to store on 13th feb 45 and had a medium scope bracket. Second one store date 20th of aug /45 and had a short bracket, third store date 16th nov 45 and also was a short bracket.

Let us know what you find

Hi Everyone,


I Would just like to add 2 sniper rifles stats to the list.


1)Rifle serial number? 85537
2)Receiver manufacturer? Lithgow
3)Receiver year stamp? 1915
4)Butt date stamp? (none?) 3/45
5)Butt size (S, N, L) "H" stamp? S - does have H on the wrist
6)Barrel date stamp? 58 (rebarrelled at some stage)
7)Engraved Scope serial number? No number
8)Scope brass eyepiece ring stamped number? 175
9)Mount ring stamped number? 175
10)Mount base stamped number 553
11)Mount type (high or low)? High
12)Nosecap ears modified for sight adjustment? Yes
13)Kingscrew swivel fitted? Yes
14)Preservative paint under woodwork? Yes
15)Cheekpiece fitted to butt? NO
16)Comments? (anything you think ne eds a mention eg extra markings etc... Non original forewood, has brass screw across forewood just infront of wrist.
Has windage rear sight, i believe it was a range rifle at some stage of its life.


1)Rifle serial number? 40018
2)Receiver manufacturer? Lithgow
3)Receiver year stamp? 1916
4)Butt date stamp? (none?) 1944 wood but no date stamp on side of butt
5)Butt size (S, N, L) "H" stamp? None
6)Barrel date stamp? 44
7)Engraved Scope serial number? 40018
8)Scope brass eyepiece ring stamped number?1580
9)Mount ring stamped number?1580
10)Mount base stamped number1580
11)Mount type (high or low)? low
12)Nosecap ears modified for sight adjustment? yes
13)Kingscrew swivel fitted? No
14)Preservative paint under woodwork? No
15)Cheekpiece fitted to butt? No
16)Comments? (anything you think needs a mention eg extra markings etc... Slight shaving taken off left side of forewood for range sight base plate.


1st post but would like to say that i have spent many hours enjoying this wonderful website/ forum. I have learnt so much and i am very appreciative of the information that has been passed on from various forum members towards the forums. I am a big Lee Enfield fan and have definitely caught the bug.

Cheers

Damon

Hello Damon, and welcome to the board, mate! It looks like you know your way around your rifles, thanks for the precise info you have posted on them. In the next couple of days I'll input your answers into the spreadsheet and cross check the numbers against others to see if anything flags. I'll Put together some notes on them and get it all back to you as time permits. If you haven't heard from me in a week, give me a nudge.

Cheers,
Brad.

Hi I have Lithgow Snipper I bought it from Ken at Jemtreck about a year before his unfotunate problem with the powers that be. I live in Portland Oregon and have an extensive collection of enfield rifles.


1) rifle serial no 65268
2) receiver Manufacturer Lithgow
3) receiver date stamp 1916
4) butdate stamp none
5) but size and H stamp the H stamp is there but no but size stamps
6) barrel date stamp I cant see the year as it is hidden by the front mount
7) engraved scope serial no. BAA3650GA
8) scope brass eyepeice ring stamp no. i don't see one

9) Mount base No, stamp there is only a No. on the front mount It is in small (1/16" tall ) the no is1904
10) mount base stamped no 929
11) mount tupe Low
12) nose cap ears modified for sight adjustment yes
13) kingscrey swivel fitted yes
14) preservitave paint under woodwork. no
15) cheekpeice fitted to but No

Its a very nice rifle as I recollect one that was FTRed it has almost new wood great bore, the scope is engraved below the factory marks RifleNo55268

Some fanatic and beautiful rifles you guys have, a very envious man right here!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tbonesmith

Tested it at 50m at St. Marys indoor range on Tuesday and it was shooting about an inch 5 shot groups, with the 4 load I used. I'm going to shoot it at Malabar in a scoped service shoot on Saturday week, if it performs well, I'll sell it to make way for a new project, A No4 T...

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Tell me, did you ever sell it?

I know the whereabouts of scope no 60418 if anybody is looking for it to make their rifle all correct.

Hi Craig. I just posted a reply to your question on the Aussie forum, mate. That number hasn't come up before in my research. Would be interested in some more info on it, though... to add to my files. Also will answer any other questions I can for you.
Cheers,
Brad.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Son

Hi Craig. I just posted a reply to your question on the Aussie forum, mate. That number hasn't come up before in my research. Would be interested in some more info on it, though... to add to my files. Also will answer any other questions I can for you.
Cheers,
Brad.

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I only have the scope and front mount. The rear mount is missing. Is it in Skennerton's book as a high mount?

The rifle was initially built as a highmount. It would have had the rifle number engraved on the scope in Nov 44 when it was assembled.
When the rifle was taken from stores to be FTR'd in (IIRC) 1955 it would have been fitted with a lowmount scope which in turn would have also been numbered to the action. So far I have not had any of the removed highmount scopes appear, hence my interest in this scope. The best way to tell is in the manufacture marks on the tube. PATT 1918 (AUST) for highmount and PATT 1918 (AUST) /1 for lowmount. The highmount scope would be dated 1944 as well, the lowmount should be 1945

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Son

The rifle was initially built as a highmount. It would have had the rifle number engraved on the scope in Nov 44 when it was assembled.
When the rifle was taken from stores to be FTR'd in (IIRC) 1955 it would have been fitted with a lowmount scope which in turn would have also been numbered to the action. So far I have not had any of the removed highmount scopes appear, hence my interest in this scope. The best way to tell is in the manufacture marks on the tube. PATT 1918 (AUST) for highmount and PATT 1918 (AUST) /1 for lowmount. The highmount scope would be dated 1944 as well, the lowmount should be 1945

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It is a high mount scope...it does not have the /1

Son,

I had a look at this rifle today
Serial no 48334(action, bolt, and nose cap)
Low mount
Lithgow 1916 receiver
Butt stamped 11/45
H and N stamped on butt
Barrel date stamp 45... Should there be a serial number as well?
Serial number electro pencilled onto scope 48334
Eyepiece ring stamp 1742
Base and mount stamped 1742
Nose cap ears milled out
No king screw swivel fitted...missing sling attachment and screw
No preservative paint that I can see...where should I look for this?
No cheek piece fitted

The rear sling swivel seems to be incorrectly fitted with a stacking swivel. Any ideas where I can find a correct one? I also need a swivel and screw for the sling swivel in front of the magazine.

If you PM me your email address I can send you some photos. I would be very interested in getting as much info about this rifle as possible given the mounts were used a little out of order for this and the other rifle you spoke of elsewhere in this forum.

Kind regards,

Craig

Geoaex new member trying to find info my No1 mk111 snipers rifle high scope mount with original case for scope Rifle No.28046 excellent condition can post pictures etc later if this finds a reply

Hello there Geoalex, and welcome to the forum. You'll find we have a multinational membership here all very helpful and happy to look at and chat about any pics you care to post. As luck would have it, I am only two hours down the road from you, mate. I do need to get back to Craig yet from his post above, but very happy to give you a complete rundown of your rifle and a brief history of the Lithgow snipers too.
Rifle No 28046 was completed and sent to store on 5/4/45, one of 12 finished that day. Thats about all I can tell you from the serial number, sadly.

To give you as complete info as possible I will need some information off your rifle. If you'd rather not post details here, I can email you the questions. I will not divulge any direct info you give in this way, or tell anyoine the locations of specific rifles. I have details of over 200 rifles in my survey, so am well positioned to make comment.

Look forward to hearing from you again, mate.

Regards,
Brad.

Good afternoon Brad Thanks for your reply and info. Sorry for the delay. It would be easier for me to communicate by email as I have detailed pictures and have not found how to transmit on this site if that is ok for you. My email gho1107@bigpond.net.au Regards George.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Geoalex

Good afternoon Brad Thanks for your reply and info. Sorry for the delay. It would be easier for me to communicate by email as I have detailed pictures and have not found how to transmit on this site if that is ok for you. My email gho1107@bigpond.net.au Regards George.

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Hi George. Could you please check your email address, it is coming up rejected when I try to send to you..

Cheers,
Brad.

Hello Brad sorry email should be gho10107@bigpondet.au Cheers George

Hello Brad Still did not get email correct this is it. gho10107@bigpond.net.au Cheers George.

Hello Brad,

I have this rifle now. One thing I notice is that the rifle serial number on the scope is in a very distinctive font and appears to have been done by the same hand as the short bracket in the knowledge library entry.

I cannot see a serial number on the barrel although the number 4 appears on the left hand side of the Knox form and may continue under the front sight base. Were the barrels numbered to the rifle and if so where should I look?

There are numerous other stamps on the barrel including broad arrows and an interesting punch mark below the serial number. Any thoughts?

If you PM me your email address I would be only too happy to forward a series of photos for your consideration and (if you like) posting on this forum.

Craig

Hi Craig. Again apologies for not getting back to you with your report on your rifle's details. I will get onto it.

In a lot of cases, the serial number on the barrel is almost totally obscured by the front scope base. They were not re numbered. There was a standing order that the HT rifles were not to be stripped with any other rifles on the bench so to ensure there would be no mixing of parts. To this end, the small parts were not required to be numbered, but a lot were. Barrel manufacture dates were usually close to the build date, but exceptions found are where H rifles or rifle club rifles handed in retained their barrels after passing gauging and accuracy testing. Have even seen a few matching foreends retained. The rest of the parts were gauged as well, and those that passed were stored and used in the assembly of completed HT's. One good example of this is a rifle with a nosecap serial number struck through (not matching) showing it had come off another rifle and hadn't been renumbered. The struck through number is also on the list of HT serial numbers, so it had come off one rifle at conversion and used on another.

Not sure about the punch mark under the serial on the barrel. Maybe a pic will give some clues.... Will PM my email to you,
Cheers,
Brad

Hello there,

Just noticed Pattern 1918 scope number1613 for rifle number 75809 advertised on Usedguns.com.au

Craig

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Craig Eberhardt

Hello there,

Just noticed Pattern 1918 scope number1613 for rifle number 75809 advertised on Usedguns.com.au

Craig

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Sold already

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Craig Eberhardt

Sold already

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I rang up about that and they told me it had no number engraved on it!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Son

I rang up about that and they told me it had no number engraved on it!

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They sent the details to me in an email

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Craig Eberhardt

They sent the details to me in an email

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Low mount 75054 listed for sale on usedguns.com.au for $8,900. Sure looks good

If I had the coin...

Why did I buy this Hilux!?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by aussietomcatter

If I had the coin...

Why did I buy this Hilux!?

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You need to get to and fro from the bush and the range thats why.

Is it in the book? I would be surprised if it isn't.

Hi
New to the forum and new to enfield collecting.
Im looking for some information on a rifle I recently obtained it is a
Lithgow 1917 no1 m3 HT
Sn 84137
No scope (unfortunatly)
Mount number 1271.

I dont know much about these rifles exept for what l have read. Any info about the rifle would be fantastic.
I dont have any pic as yet but l can put some on later.
I am considering selling the rifle to fund further purchases so I am after the info so that im confident in what im selling.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Shayne

G'day Son,

Another one for your records.

1)Rifle serial number? 74629
2)Receiver manufacturer? Lithgow
3)Receiver year stamp? 1917
4)Butt date stamp? (none?) R over MA (HV beside that) over 3/47
5)Butt size (S, N, L) "H" stamp? No obvious butt size stamp. Has "H" on wrist of butt stock
6)Barrel date stamp? Not visable. May be obscured by front mount.
7)Engraved Scope serial number? 74629
8)Scope brass eyepiece ring stamped number? 400
9)Mount ring stamped number? 400 on front ring
10)Mount base stamped number 400 on rear mount
11)Mount type (high or low)? High
12)Nosecap ears modified for sight adjustment? No
13)Kingscrew swivel fitted? No
14)Preservative paint under woodwork? Yes, greener than Kermit the frog.
15)Cheekpiece fitted to butt? No
16)Comments? (anything you think needs a mention eg extra markings etc...) Just above the "H" on the barrel knox form is a "R" then above that a "P".

Cheers.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/QUOTE]

Hi Men

It's been a long time since I posted, I finally got around to cleaning up my HT and re-oiling the wood, took forever wiping it down.

I have attached some photos and have updated my photo gallery, have a look and please give us some feedback.

I noted that on my HT the cheekpiece had slaz 46 and another serial number of 1276 with a broad arrow mark stamped on the inside, also the pull thru was a un - screwable type.

Cheers

JB303

Hi Everyone,
I have been going to get my HT out for a while and contribute to the survey. So here is the info:

1)Rifle serial number? 47517

2)Receiver manufacturer? Lithgow

3)Receiver year stamp? 1916

4)Butt date stamp? (none?) 2/45

5)Butt size (S, N, L) "H" stamp? Normal length and has 'H' stamp at wrist

6)Barrel date stamp? 3 ' 39

7)Engraved Scope serial number? It has two engraved numbers. Original is 36747. That number is then lined out and 40756 has been added to the tube. Both numbers on Lee Enfield Story HT list.

8)Scope brass eyepiece ring stamped number? None visible. Is it hard to see?

9)Mount ring stamped number? 1500

10)Mount base stamped number? None Visible

11)Mount type (high or low)? Low

12)Nosecap ears modified for sight adjustment? No

13)Kingscrew swivel fitted? No

14)Preservative paint under woodwork? Yes not a large amount left though

15)Cheekpiece fitted to butt? No

16)Comments? (anything you think needs a mention eg extra markings etc...)

- Nose cap is originally numbered 75132 then was lined out and renumbered to Receiver serial number. 75132 is on the Lee Enfield Story HT list.

- The Barrel is serial numbered 40654.

- The Stock has extensive split repairs to it in the form of the brass threaded rod forward of the Action Screw and around the Drawers area. The Drawers area is pretty ordinary. The Stock also has some very old looking bedding material around Action Screw/Receiver Lug area. Not sure if this was part of the repair.

- The rear sight base is serial numbered 40370 on the right side.

- The bore is a bit sad though still shoots very well.

- A mate mine who lined up the rifle for me said he took it to a very well known expert here in Queensland and his opinion was that the rifle was likely to have been put together for Korea or Vietnam with the mix of HT parts on the rifle.

Overall it is a very interesting rifle that I would love to know more about its history.

Only took me 5 years to get around to posting this..:)

1)Rifle serial number. 22996
2)Receiver manufacturer; Lithgow
3)Receiver year stamp; 1915
4)Butt date stamp; R MA 9 45
5)Butt size (S, N, L) "H" stamp; H
6)Barrel date stamp; Not visible.
7)Engraved Scope serial number; 49787
8)Scope brass eyepiece ring stamped number; 1455.
9)Mount ring stamped number; 1455.
10)Mount base stamped number; 1455.
11)Mount type; Low.
12)Nosecap ears modified for sight adjustment; No.
13)Kingscrew swivel fitted; No.
14)Preservative paint under woodwork; No.
15)Cheekpiece fitted to butt; No.
16)Comments; (Aust)/1 Scope. Came fitted with rubber Eyecup.

Here is one that was in an auction last week.I think it went for over $9000.00 US
serial # 84486

LOT #1635 - SCARCE HIGH CONDITION ENFIELD/LITHGOW LE3 SNIPER

Thats with 2 scopes.

Hello,

I have a few questions about my beloved 1920 Lithgow. It is a 1920 SHT.LE 111* with matching bolt and receiver serial number
58289. At some point it had the H.V. barrel fitted and has what look like wear from were the scope could have been mounted; it has the stamp 45 on it.

It was modified and resold by Parker-Hale in the 1960s?

Is this rifle a H.T?



Thanks in advance,
Robert.

My photo gallery.

https://www.milsurps.com/vbpicgallery.php?do=view&g=954

Hello 303Rob.
Having a look at your pics I am sure your rifle was never a HT sniper. The quickest sign is the lack of machining on the side of the charger bridge for the HT's rear scope base. I'm away from my books at the moment, but all the HTs serial numbers were published, so I am sure that will also confirm my view.
The HV you see on the barrel is to signify it was sighted for the "high velocity" MkVII ammo, which came about in 1917 (IIRC) in Australia.
It looks to me that your rifle may have had a pull off barrel fitted. Not sure if any of it was done by Parker Hale, but will have a better look at the pics when I get home to a full size screen, maybe find some more clues.

cool info

Here is one for sale at collectors source.1944 lithgow,Serial # 41202,scope# 36315

Australian No.1 Mk. III* H.T. Sniper Rifle - Collector's Source, Military Collectibles Online

another HT sniper at collectors source.Rifle # 74967 scope # 57964

See if this one last more than 24hr's!

Australian No.1 Mark 3* H. T. Sniper rifle - Collector's Source, Military Collectibles Online

Is Son still maintaining this thread?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by scharfschutzen63

Is Son still maintaining this thread?

---

Maybe a quiet PM to him may assist you? Worth a shot.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by superbee

another HT sniper at collectors source.Rifle # 74967 scope # 57964

See if this one last more than 24hr's!

Australian No.1 Mark 3* H. T. Sniper rifle - Collector's Source, Military Collectibles Online

---

Well, it's been there for several weeks now. Apparently in the current market it's not actually worth $10,000.00?

Ridolpho

Gday Son, my first time on any forums, and well, i need your help identifying a possible 1916 sniper. also i am more than happy to provide you with info for your records.
i can send excellent quality photos for you to look at when required.

1, rifle # 67441
2, lithgow
3, 1917
4, none new timber
5, s
6, 3/59
7, 81285
8, no markings
9, nil no rings i have redrawn all parts and given to ian skennerton drawn up pads, monts rings etc tooling raciever mechining required 4 months work
10,414 both
11, low
12,yes modified
13, no swivel,
14,no
15,not yet but getting one i found the reciever striped but with new barrel and no pads i was given pads 414 and scope 381285
16 nil rear sight has 7812 stamped on it. i am after a set of repr scope cover and scope can if you can help thanks in advance

1. 53284
2. Lithgow
3. 1916
4.1945
5. N, no H
6. 1954
7. 40754
8. 606
9. 606
10. 606
11. low
12. no
13.yes
14. no
15. no
16. Rifle started life as a low mount. Has a high mount scope with matching bases and rings fitted.

Hi all, so does anyone have HT rifle number 82901?

I'm looking for leads on the low mount scope for rifle 85984

Cheers

Here is serial #30871

https://www.proxibid.com/Firearms-Mi...89733#topoflot

I’ve got a low mount scope only for sale...any ideas for the best place to advertise

Looking to make contact with the owner of rifle 43203 which would appear to have a mismatched scope.

Failing that, any information on it's possible where abouts would be great.

Cheers.

Good Day All,
I took the opportunity to finally conduct a deep oil/clean on the H.T. I've owned since 2001. To recap, I purchased this rifle from a dealer in Australia and submitted my import paperwork on 1 Sept 2001. It took just shy of 9 months before my importer received it. The rifle and scope are matching. The chest is not an original item but one a friend built for me in 2006. The transit chest needed to be slightly longer in order to accommodate a No1 Mk III properly. The crate was stenciled with what I thought would be appropriate nomenclature had a single rifle crate existed. Since the, it was ID that TWO rifle transit cases were the standard.

The coachwood was dry and my concern was cracks might develop if left unoiled. There was a fair amount of green verdigris between the brass buttplate and coachwood stock that required a great deal of cleaning. Similarly the cooper plates in the forestock was interesting to finally see and likewise clean off the green growth.
I still need to take it to the range but I'm hoping this is the year!

Per the OP request for data points:
1)Rifle serial number: 70657
2)Receiver manufacturer: Lithgow
3)Receiver year stamp: 1917
4)Butt date stamp: SLAZ 42
5)Butt size (S, N, L) "H" stamp: H
6)Barrel date stamp: 6-44
7)Engraved Scope serial number: 70657
8)Scope brass eyepiece number: None
9)Mount ring stamped number: 1641
10)Mount base stamped number: 1641
11)Mount type: Low
12)Nosecap ears modified: No
13)Kingscrew swivel fitted: Yes
14)Preservative paint under woodwork: No
15)Cheekpiece fitted to butt: Yes
16)Comments: Still looking for a rubber eyecup (real or repro)

Regards,
Michael

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...exbWTXRl-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...dJeEZLRl-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...HAw5QqTl-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...C7BxkDJl-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...AAfM8aTl-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...yDrXLrnl-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...g57Zmrxl-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...YA3iikbl-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...w2sDUBil-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...JED6EpZl-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...9dGwkZTl-1.jpg

Good Day All,
I understand a few examples exist in Australia. If anyone decides to reproduce an example of the elusive rubber eye cup, please let me know.
Regards,
Mike

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...xTFgtWkl-1.jpg

Hi

I don't think this rifle is on the forum yet. I purchased it in 2017.

1 83677
2 Lithgow
3 1917
4 MA over Lithgow over SMLE, III*, HV and 1942
5 No
6 8/44
7 None
8 1966
9 1966
10 362
11 Low
12 No
13 No, but I have the correct part that I might trial
14 Yes
15 No
16 Recorded as having been ‘sent to store’ on 23rd January 1945. Typical ‘H’ stamped Barrel. Good bore gauging at .3025”. The top handguard had been replaced with an Enfield manufactured handguard when I got it. I have replaced with a period and correct ‘SLAZ’ handguard. Every single component of the rifle is now correctly marked either ‘Lithgow’, ‘OA’ or ‘BA’.
I believe that when it was converted to ‘HT’ this rifle was originally fitted with a ‘high’ Telescopic Sight mount. It is now fitted with a ‘low’ mount and Sight. These are matched to each other and appear to have come from the surplus components left over after the contract to manufacture HTs was cancelled. The Sight does not have this, or any, rifle serial number etched on its casing. The Telescopic Sight is in great condition.
Interestingly (perhaps) is that he Inner Barrel Band screw is still visible. This is because the threaded female section of the Inner Band appears to have been simply sawn off and used as a nut to receive the old Inner Band screw. The result is that cosmetically the rifle’s Fore End appears unchanged. I assume this practice has the advantage that the armourer has expediently avoided the toil of having to cut a piece of wood to fill the hole, sand it down and re-oil the new wood. This rifle also retains its Magazine Cut-off. A real Friday afternoon conversion! I suppose expediency was the name of the game at the time.

I hope that adds something to this great archive and resource.

Rifle 33418 Scope Case just popped up if you need a case or have it.

Australian Pattern 1918 telescope case RARE - Collector's Source, Military Collectibles Online

Well... that just added a grand and a half to my collection!

Hello Son, here is another for your survey list.

1) 42142
2) BSA
3) 1917
4) MA 5/45 H on wrist.
5) S Maybe?
6) 8'33
7) None
8) 662
9) 662
10) 1235
11) High
12) Yes
13) Yes L 1 Crowsfoot stamped
14) No
15) Yes
16) In very nice condition. Also has original leather scope lens cover and scope transit tube case. Matching bolt numbers. Nose cap number struck out. Forend SLAZ 43, Butt Slaz 42.

Hey guys does anyone have a lead on repro or original mounts I have a scope and rings original but need the rifle mounts

The bases have never been reproduced for the Lithgow HT's. Originals, I have seen one or two sets come up in the last five or six years...

That's odd Brad, I have a set sitting in my sight collection chest.

You blokes are the best I need a set of bases I would like to see if I could get them made up .any help would be great even if some one had some CAD drawings it could help .

I missed it, damn it would have made for a good trade! HT scope case first off #35200 then paired with #84866

https://www.ima-usa.com/products/ori...ntent=20220209

Saw this HT at the Bathurst gunshow. Was sold to a "Young Lady" by Aussie Bourke. Said he has 15 left. lol
SN 63853 matching numbers bolt and scope. Has scope case, original looking timber.
Can' remember if High or low mount. No cheek piece or cut out in muzzle guard.
There is also 3 or 4 coming up in the next auction of Rolley's if you want to get the numbers from the Auction catalog.