I can't believe this is mine - 1914 Lithgow SMLE Mk III

[RangeRover]

My apologies for those who may have seen this elsewhere, but this rifle is so far and away the best rifle I own that I can't help but show it off.

1914 Lithgow SMLE Mk III in what appears to my eyes to be in original 1914 trim. All visible numbers match and all parts viewed so far are still Lithgow-marked.







Rifle has a brass plate let into to left side of the buttstock, reading "Dardanelles 1916 A.N.Z.A.C." and some hand-etched letters saying "Aegean 1918". The latter words appear under a scar running across the top of the buttstock, and additional lettering appears to have been started on the right side of the buttstock.





There is also some old damage to the fore-end. There is no "story" with this rifle, but I can't help but wonder about the history of the buttstock scar and the fore-end damage.



And, as a bonus, the rifle came equipped with a 1913-dated M E Co. web sling.

Information

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[stevebc]

That's a very pretty rifle, and you've said it well: "I can't believe it's mine." Exactly how I feel about my 1916 BSA, and it isn't as nice as yours.

[Rumpelhardt]

pictures of a rifle that nice deserve to be posted as often as possible.

[RJW NZ]

Very very great rifle, wow..
That AE on agean is interesting, I wonder if that style of lettering denotes some history or location of the user, its an odd habit to write that way.
Re the forend, I love it when shrapnel leaves signatures like that, although I doubt the owner was thrilled at the time.
Any back story you can share on how you found it?
I'll PM you too. cheers well done,

[lngstrt]

Very Nice. I have a 1914 BSA that's not that nice. Marked EY too, but it is the pearl of the collection ... First year WWI dated with cut off but no volley sights.

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

Glad that beautiful rifle has a steward who appreciates it and is willing to share. SMLE crown jewel indeed.

[xa-coupe]

Wow, possibly saw service in Gallipoli which makes it of historical significance... assuming the plaque is legit. Well done, look after it well!

[jmoore]

That AE on agean is interesting, I wonder if that style of lettering denotes some history or location of the user

Actually more common than not up until the 1920s or so. Found in print in both upper and lower case letters. It WOULD be odd if added Post WWII, so that carving is likely old.

[Ian]

What a terrific piece of history - taking it at face value (seems to be no reason not to), and a very nice rifle to boot. I agree that photos of that rifle can not be "over posted". Another great rifle that I wish could talk!

[browningautorifle]

Looks great. I'll bet this one's a battle return from that very area and was marked to remind us of that conquest.