1923 lithgow, to clean or not to clean?

[BushyFromOz]

Welcome to Milsurps-
Now- down to business... I was lucky enough to find a 1923 last year, but mine was sportered and shot out. It has been restored (refitted would probably be a better term) with correct period parts- it too hadn't been FTR'd. The serial on mine is only 220 after yours. It has the original barrel in it, which is dated 10/ '24.

The barrel is dated 9/24

I dont know what font and FTR stamp should be i, but perhaps the markings here is a mis-struck FTR stamp? I had never really noticed it before, the camaera flash has made some marks in the wood dissappear and others stand out a lot more, i didn't notice this marking until i looked at some of the pics i took of the buttstock.

[Son]

Yep, I'd say you have a repair/ re issue date there, 3/44 (?). (have to get a book out on FTR markings- I recall they varied a bit during the war years) Probably was gauged and passed before being painted with the "jungle green" protective paint. The barrel date of 9/'24 fits the bill to be the original barrel too.

All looking real good, mate!