SMLE No.3 Magazine questions

[LNM]

Hi Everyone,

I have some questions about No.3 magazines that I would like to put to members of the forum that are more knowledgable than I.

I have just bought a No.3 magazine. It has what I believe to be a No.2 magazine case that was converted to a No.3 case. The 3 stamped into the base of the magazine appears to be stamped over a 2.

The magazine platform is the correct No.2 platform. It is marked 2 with a Lithgow star.

There is a 2 over a O stamped under the follower removal lip. Aside from the 3 on the auxiliary spring there are no other markings I can find. Though I have yet to clean the magazine so others may come to light.

My questions are:

Does anyone have the list of changes entry handy for the No.3 magazine as I'd like to know the exact date of the change?

Was the first type of magazine produced at Lithgow the No.3 magazine?

If my magazine indeed has a No.2 case that was converted to No.3 case, would this indicate that the case was produced in Great Britain and possibly converted to a No.3 magazine in Australia as evidenced by the Lithgow No.2 platform?

On a related issue. Does anyone know when Australia started making MKVII ammunition? I have First World War dated ammunition but it is CAC MkVI.

I assume that a No.3 magazine will successfully feed MkVI ammunition as well as the MKVII ammunition is was designed for?

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

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