That will teach me to answer late in my day. Yep, missed the lack of machined cutoff slot in my quick look at the photos. My personal Lithgowicon III/1941, s/n B74659 is rust blued and has a mag cutoff (likely retrofitted) in place although I am given to understand, the cutoff was fitted to the rifle where required and was not a standard issue item for land forces. My knowledge on the finish was based strtictly upon personal observation plus an article I read previously stating Lithgow SMLE's were rust blued through 1941. So, my apologies for any bad info I may have unwittingly provided.