1914 Lithgow SMLE

[aussietomcatter]

G'day everyone, here is my "newest" rifle, a 1914 Lithgow No1 MkIII, as fitted with volley sights and magazine cut off. Matching bolt, other parts to seem to be mixed, but all are Lithgow parts with the Lithgow star present on them, other than the volley sight. Serial number is 6831, it has NO Military district markings on it which leads me to believe it was perhaps shipped out with a British order for Lithgow rifles?

The R 6/46 seems to be a stock repair mark, so most likely not the original stock. Barrel is a BSA barrel, bore is in good nick, and it will clean up very well. Not uncommon I believe for earlier Lithgow rifles to have a British barrel in them, and from research I can't rule this being done at a unit armorer level.

As always, here are the pictures, any questions comments or queries please hit me up!

Information

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[RJW NZ]

very very nice find

[aussietomcatter]

Now that I finally have the rifle in my possession, some more pictures:

[Peter Laidler]

Barrel replacement definately wasn't a unit level repair either in the UK or Australia. On the No1,4 and 5 it was always a Base repair OR at a Command workshop that was a sort of half-way house between a large Field workshop and a small Base Workshop

[RobD]

Certainly it has spent time in South Africa (broad arrow-in-a-U stamped on receiver).

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

Lovley and well traveled old girl. Thanks for the nice photos.