Collection of SMLEs

[mattyboy82]

Thought I'd add in a couple of photos of some of the SMLEs I have in my collection at the moment.

The picture of the 5 rifles are my 'ex-AIF' (Australian Imperial Force) rifles. Two 1913 Lithgows, two 1914 Lithgows and a 15 Lithgow. These rifles have a myriad of British, South African and Canadian markings on them. This would be due to them being handed into British ordnance post-Gallipoli and being refurbed and then handed out to other forces in France.

One of the 1914 Lithgows still retains its original 2nd Military District markings and South African markings - the fact it still retains its Australian markings points to it probably being one of the rifles that 10% of soldiers from each troopship to France from Egypt had to take and these were refurbed at local ordnance depots in France for a quick change to the rear sights rather than going back to EFD or BSA for a full refurb and scrubbing of all Australian markings.

The 1915 Lithgow has a nice 1940 dated barrel which is possibly an indicator of being one of the couple of hundred thousand rifles (ex-BEF) that were sent to EFD to be refurbed post-Dunkirk due to exposure to the elements, worn from use etc.

Happy days gents.

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