Enfield Newbie

[Wolf308]

So I've only just started collecting Enfields. I have two now, five months apart in purchase. But it's this second one that has me curious.

I purchased it today, it says "MA Lithgow SMLE III 1926"



So to start, what really distinguishes it from my No.1 Mk III? That one is a lot younger, it's a 1964 Ishapore in .303.

Big question I hope someone can answer.



What is the deal with the big yellow numbers? Do I leave them or try to remove them?

Anyway, here are my two:

The 1964 Ishapore No.1 Mk III:


The 1926 Lithgow SMLE III:


Being a newbie, any info on either or both is very appreciated.

BTW, any way of looking up the serials?

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[RJW NZ]

Hi Wolf308 and welcome, you're at the best little forum in town. You actually got two slightly unusual and neat rifles there, both of those years are low production numbers and because of that they don't show up very often, and in addition yours look in very good condition, good stuff.
The big jellow numbers are rack numbers and are a good part of the rifles history, keep them, its the kind of originality that improves the rifles value.
Early Lithgow are desirable as a well made rifle,and many have plenty of history, either in war service or in Aus as home defence during ww2.
Shoot the pants off them and have fun.

Actually, I'll be ding dong darned, your lithgow has exactly the same high tide mark on the wood, between the mid band and front sight, that two of mine have had over the years. Its looks like they were standing against a bench, barrel down, and the room got flooded about a foot deep.
Has anyone else seen this mark and have a theory? I'm really baffled now that I've seen three of them like this, same mark, same place, same angle.

[Bindi2]

That is were the paint was on the cadet rifles.

[Steve H. in N.Y.]

That is were the paint was on the cadet rifles.

Yup, I've seen a number of Lithgow rifles like this. Looks like they were dipped not quite vertically in a container of paint stripper.

[Beerhunter]

1. So to start, what really distinguishes it from my No.1 Mk III? That one is a lot younger, it's a 1964 Ishapore in .303.

2. What is the deal with the big yellow numbers? Do I leave them or try to remove them?

1. In 1926, the Short Magazine lee Enfield (SMLE) Mk.III and Mk.III* were re-designated: Rifle No.1 Mk.III and Mk.III*. Compared to a Mk.III*, a Mk.III has a magazine cut-off and often (but not always) a windage adjustable rear sight and "volley" sights.

2. Probably rack numbers. I'd leave them because they are part of the rifle's history.

[fergs]

try not to leave them cocked when you have them in storage, if that was for the photo shoot purposes only then disregard.
Regards
Fergs

[bigduke6]

Wolf308,

Nice rifle leave as is, here is another 1926 Lithgow ( FTR in 1953), by memory only 4000 rifles made that year.

[Demo]

Wolf308,

Nice rifle leave as is, here is another 1926 Lithgow ( FTR in 1953), by memory only 4000 rifles made that year.

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...DSCF3924-1.jpg

Are you sure it's a 1926? Looks more like a 25.

[bigduke6]

Are you sure it's a 1926? Looks more like a 25.

Yep its 1926, the pic does make it look like 1925 but it is a 6.

[Demo]

Yep its 1926, the pic does make it look like 1925 but it is a 6.

1926 lithgows with a shield are in small numbers and I've been looking for one for a few years.