1941 Lithgow SMLE.

[Anzac15]

Picked up nice 1941 Lithgow today. Nothing really unusual about it, it appears to have a replacement buttstock from an earlier, possibly Brit SMLE. However, it does havea few things that I've never sen before on one of these rifles. It appears to have a brass worm dial and stock retaining nut. Anyone ever seen this on a WW2 era Lithgow? Also, a circle 'T' marking on the bottom of the forestock along with a V inside a C. The V inside C I saw on a 1918 RSAFE SMLE that I had not too long ago. It was suggested that it was a Vickers marking, but that certainly can't be as this is a Slazenger '45 stock. Anyway, pics up, enjoy!

---------- Post added at 07:37 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:27 PM ----------

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.

[Anzac15]

And oh yeah, the left side of the buttsocket next to the safety has three letters.. L O C.

[Anzac15]

Couple more pics...actually I'm surprised that a buttstock this used was put on this rifle, especially since the date shows this was done post war. I could understand them slapping anything on it during hostilities, but this just sems a bit too sloppy. Heck, there's even a crudely carved 'K' on it!

[Homer]

I've seen many rifles refurbed at Lithgow post war pre 50's with well used butts like this. You'll also find them with new butts but when used butts where used again, it seems no attempt was made to remove any stamps from previous rifles. Any number on the nosecap? Also is the butt definitely English?

Not sure the meaning of the stamps you mention but I have seen them before.

Looks like a nice, typical example of a 1946 lithgow refurb.

[Anzac15]

Yep, nosecap matches bolt and receiver. I don't know for absolute certainty that the buttstock is Brit, but the buttplate is stamped EFD.

[Homer]

Yep probably is English, I just thought it had the slightest little Qld maple look about, plus the Lithgow butt disc.

I only asked about the nosecap because it's normal to find these 45/46/47 refurbs with unnumbered barrels, forends and nosecaps.

Good gun mate.

[Anzac15]

Thanks! I really love my SMLEs, but there's something about the Lithgows that I just can't pass up. I swear they lie in wait for me at the gun shows.......