Lithgow Knox marking numbers question

[RDSMB]

Hello, this is my first post concerning my Lithgow No.1 Mk III*
I have found much info on my rifle here, but I am not clear about the numbers on the knox. It seems to me that it was re barreled possibly?
The date stamped on the receiver is 1942 and 1941 on the butt stock.
See the attached photos.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks, Richard

Information

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[Brian Dick]

The barrel manufacture date is February 1959. I think the 4/60 may be the date it was rebarreled. Maybe our Aussie friends can elaborate?

[RDSMB]

Thanks Brian, that was what I was thinking but I was was unsure they would still maintaining the rifle in those late years.
Richard

[Bruce_in_Oz]

In Australia, they were still in service, (and with proper maintenance), with Cadet forces until the early 1970's. I last fired one in a Cadet service match in 1974.

Then, with the abolition of National Service in December 1972 and the subsequent obliteration of the Cadet services, it was all over. SMLEs, Brens, Owens and such were either destroyed or bundled up and sold off-shore in bulk, mostly into North America, either as parts kits or complete.

[RDSMB]

Hi Bruce, I learned something new!
I am quite please with the condition and function of my Lithgow rifle and the important matching serial numbers.
It is my 4th Lee Enfield and by far the best.
Thanks,
Richard

[browningautorifle]

sold off-shore in bulk, mostly into North America, either as parts kits or complete.

And they appeared here in gunshops for sale in the mid '80's... Many still with the paint from Cadet service, yellow or green markings. Many as new.

[RDSMB]

I noticed today the bolt head is marked MA 59, I would say it was changed when the rifle was re barreled.

[browningautorifle]

I would say it was changed when the rifle was re barreled.

Which would make sense as it needed to be headspaced.

[Brian Dick]

I'm working on a similar Lithgow Mk.III* today that had a barrel change in 6-64. It's 1944 rifle and the replacement barrel is dated 8-44. It was sent for rebarreling along with a nos RFI replacement barrel but it gauges as near new in both the muzzle, breech and bore. Someone shot and left it with corrosive primed ammo so it's rusty in the grooves but I advised him to leave it alone since the barrel was near new when it happened. I think it will clean up cosmetically with use and proper cleaning. Changing the barrel is unnecessary. It just needs a little love.

[RDSMB]

I agree Brian, it doesn’t seem critical, there are worse out there.