Lithgow SHT.LE Mk III 1916 info?

[dcutter]

By way of an intro and my reason for finding this forum - I'm not a collector, rather as is often the case, inherited my grandfather's .303 LE. It is not in the best condition, and has been hung over the proverbial fireplace for several years. I recently have been bitten by the nostalgia bug, and after dragging the old girl out of the cabinet, started to do some research on the hieroglyphics all over this gun. Here's what I got so far, and feel free to jump in where I got it wrong:

Lithgow, Australia manufactured in 1916. I am confused though over the lack of a *.



6MD puts it in Tasmania at some time in it's life. It does appear the 6 was stamped over another number. As well, it appears the gun has gone through 3 - 4 serial numbers.



This is the one that is giving me fits. 7-pointed star with ACD tells me Royal Army Ordnance Corps (Army Commisariat Dept)? I found a reference to this stamped on a bayonet, but haven't found anything referring to rifles. The other stamps I can't track down are the P in a circle, MA, WI (I think?) and the 7 pointed stars with what looks like VII underneath.



I will be scouring this site in hope of finding some direction, but in the meantime, if anyone has the easy answers, drop me a line!

Information

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[Homer]

I think I'm going to like this gun a lot. Can we see more of it please?

Not three serial numbers but one serial number and two Military District inventory numbers. One from what looks like the 3rd MD in Victoria and the second Tasmania as you pointed out. The serial number is 46955. If you decide to strip or remove the wood from this gun and you are not already aware, there is a procedure to follow in order to prevent damaging the forend.

[browningautorifle]

We do need more pics though. That way we know where you are to start off. There's lots of members from that very military district and area, so just wait for it.

[dcutter]

Most of the pictures I took were pretty specific to the stamps and numbers. I will grab a few more and post. What exactly is it I should be showing? The gun has been sporterized in that the front furniture has been chopped down to just in front of the barrel band.

[Homer]

Most of the pictures I took were pretty specific to the stamps and numbers. I will grab a few more and post. What exactly is it I should be showing? The gun has been sporterized in that the front furniture has been chopped down to just in front of the barrel band.

Man thats disappointing. Another sporter.

[dcutter]

Man thats disappointing. Another sporter.

lol. Yeah, but it's a Sweet Sporter

I know what you're saying Homer, but as I said, I am not a collector. This rifle has some serious history in my family, and I am trying to put together some of the background together to share with my family. My Uncle claims his father (my Grandfather) has owned this rifle since before he can remember. My GF passed 24 years ago, and with the 25th anniversary of his passing coming up, I wanted to present something to my family to celebrate.

I can't see myself restoring this rifle purely due to the sentimental value of everything about it.

All that being said, I am seriously caught up in the search for answers on this gun! I am definitely going to be looking at LE's in a different light from now on! They are everywhere up North, and I will be looking at putting one or two on the radar for bringing home one of these days.

[dcutter]

OK, here goes. Here is a terrible shot of the rifle in entirety:


The rear sight is marked: 31355 on the side, and HV SC is marked underneath:



And the 31355 is also marked on the breach:


The bolt lug is also stamped with what appears to be a broad arrow over EFD 116. There is an S beside it:


When taking these pics tonight, I discovered the number 6 branded on the stock just behind the brass plate. Not the best pic, but it also appears someone has etched their name on the stock:


And a horrible picture of the butt plate. There are no markings I can see at all on it:


OK...what did I miss?

[browningautorifle]

The muzzle...because it looks like someone put a #4 front sight protector on the barrel...

[Homer]

Interesting that it's been rebarreled with with an earlier barrel possibly off a 1915 action. When did the Aussies convert to MkVII ammo?

[muffett.2008]

The barrel is correct for the rifle, the change for ammunition is within this timeframe, the stamps are all typical Lithgow stamps, suggest you find a copy of Skennertons "Broad Arrow", that will give you your answers.