"Unissued" (not JJCO) Lithgow

[MRoberts06]

I just bought a 1941 Lithgow Rifle No.1 Mk III, which I was assured was "unissued". You can image my fear when I did some more research and discovered the JJCO issue with "unissued" SMLEs. Had I just gotten hosed by a shifty gun store?
Nevertheless, I've subsequently done my homework: the coachwood is immaculate and has the correct markings (SLAZ), the bolt head has never been used (fired), the bore is mirror clean, the recoil plates are there, all the numbers match that should match (except there is no s/n on the muzzle cap), the correct proof, issue, and inspection marks are all there, I cannot find a single FTR stamp anywhere, the s/n is a C##### (1941), the factory marks are correct...

... and I cannot find a single JJCO NY mark anywhere on this gun, or any import mark for that matter...

I've poured over this rifle looking for anything that would tell me it isn't a factory fresh '41 Lithgow, and I've come up short. I'm sure you guys will help me out with this.

Two questions, then:
1) Is a mint condition 1941 Lithgow too good even to be true?

2) If, IF, this rifle turns out to be an unissued, unfired 1941, do I have something of rare enough historic value that I should refrain from shooting it?

If it does turn out to be a refurbished rifle, I won't be disappointed. It's a beautiful gun still.

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Thanks everyone.

Information

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[Baal]

Here's a similar one, but 1944, on Gunbroker. Been wondering if it's authentic.

WWII Lithgow Enfield Australian Unissued C&R : Bolt Action Rifles at GunBroker.com

[MRoberts06]

What I've researched, as SN like #####A means the rifle is a rebuilt parts rifle. The correct SN should be A#####. Furthermore, the "A" wouldn't go with a 1944 model.

[Son]

The C prefix is consistent with a 1941 build, even with an early '42 made barrel (will take corrections here, Homer and Muffer?) But the woodwork is all later made Slaz and I don't think original to the rifle. Even in wartime production, fitment was much better than seen here. The metalwork seems very good and all matching... does it look like it's been refinished? The nosecap should be numbered, so I would be inclined to say it had been sporterised previously and re wooded. If the foreend is early '43 it may not have the copper recoil plates fitted.
My opinion.... Overall a very nice but I think obvious rework. Barrel condition might give a better idea of it's prior use. Check for the recoil plates.

[MRoberts06]

Copper recoil plates are both there. Barrel is mirror smooth and shines like a new dime. The condition of the barrel and the bolt head appear unfired. I've got several milsurps and many new hunting rifles, and the barrel on this rifle looks more like a NIB hunting rifle than a 70 year old war horse. What do you see with the fitment of the wood? It fits very tight to the metalwork. Very. I mean lots of profanity was involved in getting the wood off. The metal doesn't appear to be refinished, either. The pitting on the ears of the rear sight gives me some pause, though. If someone did sporterize this rifle, they must've got it fresh off the line, and never shot it.

[Homer]

Sorry forgot the pictures. Just for you to compare.

Also Robert, the forend would have been serial numbered. Is it?

[ssj]

My understanding is and Im happy to be corrected is that recoil plates are an armourer or after market addon and not a factory install.

[Ridolpho]

Just checked on this in Skennertons Small Arms series on Australian Lee Enfields and he claims they were original fitment during certain time periods. Can find the precise quote if need be.

Ridolpho

[Homer]

Just checked on this in Skennertons Small Arms series on Australian Lee Enfields and he claims they were original fitment during certain time periods. Can find the precise quote if need be.

Ridolpho

Definitely. The problem became apparent very early on whilst Queensland maple was being used. Its a bit of a grey area but what Ive come to understand from skennertons books and examination of my own rifles is, the first attempts to reinforce the draw area was in the late 20's when walnut inserts were used. Then early to mid thirties, steel pins attached to the stock bolt plate were used. Both methods were shortlived but keep in mind, rifle production was very low during this period so examples are scarce. After this they adopted the copper plates but I'm not sure exactly when because all my late 30's actions were assembled into rifles in 1939/40 leaving a bit of a black hole in my research. I'd say late thirties but definitely by 1940 and they remained in production throughout except for a one year period approximately from sometime in 1943.

[MRoberts06]

Ah, I see what you mean about the fit of the wood. There is a sizeable gap there. The rear sight ramp isn't blued or battered: that's just an effect of the camera flash. The fore end does not have a SN on it. My No.4 does, so I know what you mean. So the wood isn't original to this metal. Armory refurb?

What are your doubts regarding the serial numbers on the action and the barrel?

Okay, so what do I have here? I have a No.1 with an apparently unfired barrel, a pristine bolt head, no JJCO mark, and unoriginal wood. Is it a sporter that's been renewed?

To me the most important question is: should I fire this rifle? I don't want to spoil something that's this well kept if it does have some undeniable historical value in this current condition. I'd sooner just go buy a $300 non-matching SMLE beater I can take to the range.

---------- Post added at 09:36 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:32 PM ----------

Recoil plates are copper, and the screws appear to be copper as well.

---------- Post added at 09:44 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:36 PM ----------

3MD: 3rd Military District, Victoria.