Pics of my Lithgow

[daveboy]

Bought this rifle at a gunshow approximately 15 yrs. ago for less than $100 US. Did a quick cleaning, fired once and put away. Just dug it out and discovered than it appears than all numbers match. It is a 1921 Mk III* all numbers matching that I can see without a breakdown. I will break it down later and post any updates.

The stock appears to have no markings. Very nice tigerstripe on the buttstock. Appears to be an arsenal repair on the rear handguard and all wood seems to match. The stock disc has no markings.

The magazine has another number X'd out and the correct serial number stamped.

I plan to clean it up and take it to the range soon.

Can anyone shed any light as to what I have? Does this finish appear to be original?

Thanks for any replies.

daveboy

Information

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[Bill Hollinger]

Very nice! Thanks for sharing.

[RJW NZ]

Nice rifle, probably sell for $500 if you put on an auction site, 1921 was a low production year so you did well to get it.
It appears to be the 1921 original wood, in ww2 most aussie enfields seem to get new ww2 dated wood with large markings, you have none of those, even better.
Now go shoot it and have even more fun.

[terryinvictoria]

For once we get to see a nice Century Arms International No1 Mk3 rifle.

For sure not a parts gun, nice example of what is a low production era for that model and manufacturer.

Thanks for the pictures.
A hundred smackeroos you should be ashamed of your self (joke) Good price on the gun even back then I think considering the year, mfg, condition etc.

Have you slugged the bore if so what does it measure.

When you take the wood off it will be intersting to see if the barrel has been replaced moct have and that does not lower the value or collectability in my eyes. It merely talls the tale of a battle rifle that was used lots for some serious work and had a new barrel put on.

It would not surprise me if the barrel date was 43 or 44. Lots were refurbished in this time frame after many battles and lots of abuse/work.

What is the date stamp on the barrel knox form 21 or 43-44 or what other date?

Let us know we are interested.
Regards
Terry in Victoria

[daveboy]

Well, I'm beginning to think that I definitely got my money's worth with this rifle. Just pulled it apart after getting off work today and wanted to share what I found.

Looks to me like this is a pretty original rifle. Noticed the rifle s/n stamped in the barrel. Didn't know if this was something they did when rebarreling or not but I don't think they would. Also, when looking closely I noticed what looks like a small date, "3/5/21". This would coincide with the date of rifle manufacture. I chalked the date to make it more visible in the photos and it is in picture 2.

There are also a couple of markings inside the stock, will post them later.

daveboy

[louthepou]

Daveboy, that's quite a nice rifle you found there, you lucky man.

Lou

[jrhead75]

They did number rebarrels, but yours certainly doesn't appear to be one. Both the date and the appearance of the stamping of the number on the barrel sure makes it look like the original to me. The barrel's date would be 3 '21, the middle figure being an apostrophe rather than a 5.

Beautiful rifle.

[S-A-M3]

Hi Daveboy, The woodwork on your rifle is Queensland Maple, correct for the period, and the nicest patterned to go on any SMLE`s made. It is soft and prone to damage, so you are lucky to have a full set on your gun.
Stuart.

[Peter Laidler]

Nice wood strengthening peg patching on the lower handguard. REAL Bandiana trained RAEME armourers work there!

[Son]

Nice wood strengthening peg patching on the lower handguard. REAL Bandiana trained RAEME armourers work there!

Pity it isn't still being taught! Not much call for woodworking expertise these days. Mag58 butts and Charlie Gutsache grips are about it... hang on, still the occasional wombat gun around too.

Gotta appreciate the art! I'm afraid it's all but lost. Look after her well, daveboy, she's a treasure.