Lithgow receiver question

[NVGuy]

I picked up a 1945 Lithgow receiver. it is not serialized. It is marked

MA
Lithgow
SMLE III*
1945

I was told that it may not have been built into a rifle so it was not serialized. That it was possibly and armorers replacement part that did not get used. The finish appears to be a parkerized finish and appears to be original. Does this sound correct? Also there are a number of stars with a number below them on the back right hand side of the receiver. What do these indicate?

Thank you for your time.

Information

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[Alan de Enfield]

Also there are a number of stars with a number below them on the back right hand side of the receiver. What do these indicate?

Each QA station checked it complied with specification, and, if it passed it was 'approved', (with a Numbered star) , moved ono the next QA station checked, ……………………repeat……………….. (up to 10 numbered stars)

[smle addict]

It might be possible you have a J. Jovino imported receiver. if you look under the charge bridge (right side) there may be faint "JJco" import stamp. They are a very small font, and almost imperceptible to see...

John Jovino Company imported many Australian SMLE Mk III's in the early 1990's. It was theorized the company bought most if not all of the remaining SMLE stores, including new unmarked stock sets and un-numbered receivers + barrels. These were assembled into rifles, given a serial number which do not fall into the known serial number chronology of know Australian rifles, and fitted with brand new coachwood stock sets. They were given a very dark, almost black finish and advertised as "unissued" rifles.

Short answer, your receiver might be one of the Jovino parts group, and simply never assembled.

If it were mine, and I had a pile of money to burn () I would assemble it with a new Criterion barrel and a Prestigious Wood Stocks set. It's nice to dream, right?

Post a few pictures if you can. Be interesting to see what exactly you have.

*edit-managed to find two pics of a J. Jovino import stamp on two of my rifles. Told you it was small font!

[NVGuy]

Hi all,

I do not see the Jovino marking that is mentioned. Her are some pictures of what I have. The finish looks splotchy because i hit with some oil. I have some other parts I could use t build it out. I am working on another one at the moment. Once it is done I will about this one.

[WillSarchet]

Addict, Criterion only makes new No4 barrels. I asked them about the possibility of a No1 barrel at SHOT Show this year and the answer was a flat no. There are still some unissued No1 barrels for sale through Sarco, the three I bought have pristine bores after the cosmoline was removed.

NV Guy,
Nice find! It will be neat to see it finished all these years later.