Lithgow Rifles Survey

[Homer]

Yes mine was done in 1950.

What's the reason for doing it though? To me, it seems the action on my rifle was scrubbed to match the barrel that was preused and dated 1943.

[muffett.2008]

Just another lead to track one day, a bit like the '53's, supposedly new actions and new parts to prove the Equipment, but how many are actually old receivers like this example?
Attachment 72013

[Homer]

What's the assembly number on that one muffer?

[muffett.2008]

Looks like 769, a dye test out at my friendly Aircraft Maintainance shows the scrubbed number as 1942

[Homer]

Very interesting.

[Brian Dick]

1916 Mk.III, sn. 36741, barrel date 10-27.
1941 Mk.III*, sn. B83612, barrel date 1-44
1943 Mk.III*, sn. E39634, barrel date 10-43
1944 Mk.III*, sn. F31848, wire wrapped GL rifle
1945 Mk.III*, sn F37335, barrel date 8-45
1955 Mk.III*, sn. F40052, barrel date 1-54
1915 Mk.III HT-medium mount, sn. 34681, barrel date 9-4?
1911 BSA HT-low mount, sn. 81820, barrel date 2-4?

The last digit of the HT barrel dates are under the front base.

If you have any specific questions about any of them, send me a PM. They are all original as I got them except the '41 date rifle which was butchered into a sporter when I bought it but with matching bolt and nice metal. I installed a new barrel, missing metal and coachwood back when parts were plentiful. It's my favorite for shooting and is a tack driver. I wish I had the information from all the others I've sold over the years. I started this licensed business out of my garage in Florida with a dozen Lithgow rifles ordered in from an importer in California. The 1945 rifle is from that lot. My Dad bought it for posterity and brought it up to me last year so I stashed it. I had many John Jovino rifles that were original too. A pawn shop in Montgomery, Alabama bought 1000 of them and used to bring a pile to the Alabama Gun Collectors Association show in Birmingham. What a field day buying, selling and trading. The good old days have come and gone! I have a few project rifles here now that are just barreled actions. Here's the list of those.

1917 Mk.III, sn. 51446/81404 w/heavy barrel dated 8-33 - restorable but the barrel isn't great
1923 Mk.III, sn. B7533, 3-44 barrel date, complete and matching except the nose cap, restocked in India. Not a bad rifle. I'll restore this one to Australian FTR spec eventually.
1940 Mk.III, sn. B53941, 4-41 barrel date - rough condition
1941 Mk.III*, sn. B78862, 6-45 barrel date - restorable

[muffett.2008]

Thanks Brian, much appreciated.

Just one query, the 1917, is the S/N correct and if so, is the date on the wrist just below and centred to the shield, or is it an 1/8" or more below?

[Brian Dick]

It has two serial numbers. The 81404 number is also stamped on the heavy barrel. The date on the butt socket is just below the shield. Not quite 1/8".

[Homer]

81404 is a typical 1917 serial number, could the other number be the inventory number Brian?

[Brian Dick]

I'm not really sure. Maybe you can elaborate. I'm thinking it was converted to an "H" barrel for club use? The 51446 is in smaller font just above the rifle serial number on the right-front side of the body.