Lithgow butts

[5thBatt]

Did Lithgow during WW2 apply the rifles serial number to the butt during normal factory production?
Have seen some pictures of rifles with it, but in NZ (we have a lot of them) we very rarely seem to come across it, was it factory or unit level practice?

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[Son]

I read on the internet somewhere that all (or most, or some- depending on which reply you read) were serial numbered on the butts. If you rubbed shoulders with people from Lithgow, you'd know this.

[5thBatt]

Over the years i have seen/held many WW2 Lithgows in NZ, the majority being of '42 & '43 assembly, only 1 had the serial number stamped on the butt, i own a late '42 (11'42 on barrel) no serial number on butt, this rifle is in new unissued condition.
I have this same Q on another forum & the awnsers i am getting point towards this practice as being post Factory which fits with what i have seen, of the lithgows i own at this time (ones i have held onto) only 1 has the serial number on the butt & thats a 4MD marked 1918.

[jmoore]

Two Lithgows of 1941 and 1942 vintage that do have S/N's. The '41 has freaky cool S/N. The '42 does have a replacement '50's vintage barrel, otherwise seems untampered with.