1943 Lithgow.

[Anzac15]

Am contemplating the purchase of another Lithgow, found this one in a pawn shop. Rifle is 100%, very good condition, however, the nosecap has traces of yellow paint on it, indicating cadet use. I cannot find DP, EY, or any other markings of that sort on it, which is good. Is this rifle a shooter? $200 will probably buy it.

Information

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[Peter Laidler]

Read what's been said about DP rifles and make your own mind up. But remember, that there's no such thing as an EX-DP rifle. Once a DP, always a DP in my book. And something else too. I have never, ever, ever, not never, known an Armourer, not even a senior or experienced, or even the most senior one in the Army system who has been authorised to retro convert a DP rifle back to service condition. Because even he doesn't know what caused it to be condemned in the first place.

I appreciate that they did it at the start of the war, but they were dire times and they did it at the factories where they had the kit and facilities to check the metallurgy and...... and..........

That's only my opinion - and I could be wrong

[Anzac15]

Thanks Peter. As I said I could not find any DP marks on this rifle, so yellow paint also signifies DP as well?
Think I'll avoid this one, as I take your opinion very much to heart!

[Amatikulu]

1943, Lithgow, 100%, very good condition, yellow paint on nose cap - $200.............................................. .........buy it.

Nothing from your description says DP rifle. Australian rifles with yellow nose caps were used for live firing by cadets from what I've read.

[MKV111Z]

Hi

They were normally banded on the butt Green indicated good condition, yellow worn but useable and white drill purpose only.

Cheers

H

[Peter Laidler]

Son and Co, here's a question for you.............. I'm a tad out of date with Australian RAEME EMER's and ACI's. Can you give us all the info on exactly what the yellow bands indicate. When I was in Australia the Cadet Forces that we had under our wing had the usual white marked DP Brens and rifles and also yellow marked Brens where the white had been painted over. There were also White banded DP L1A1's although I didn't see any used as they were all at Bongilla (? spellling.....) To me, they were all DP while the yellow painted ones were 'said' to be suitable for blank firing - as in our yellow BFA's and BFA barrels.

Can you clarify with the old EMEI's from the tech library Son and Co?

The kakhi band was and still is used to indicate non standard but suitable for ball ammo - such as the old EY SMLE's of ages ago and currently, captured weapons such as AK's etc retained for live firing/training

[Anzac15]

I went back to look it over again, still could not find DP on it anywhere. If it's still there Friday, I'm gettin' it!

[RJW NZ]

Buy buy buy ... it'll never get cheaper ...

[Anzac15]

Lithgow bought!

[Anzac15]

Got the Lithgow home, gave it a light going over, this rifle is beautiful. I suspect it was never issued. It's also the first Lithgow I've had that bears no D D marking. In fact, this is the least marked Aussie Enfield I've ever seen. Think I'll be a keepin' this one for awhile..