Legit. Or Not?

[Lithy]

Saw this today on a local trading site.

L1A1 (straight pull) - SSAA Gun Sales

Whilst an interesting piece, it just sets off bells in my head as to it's claimed pedigree. It isn't marked as per my single shot Lithgow Target Rifle and lacks the usual external Lithgow proofs.

Does anyone know what the cross inside the circle mark on the rear of the TMH signifies?

Any thoughts/advice appreciated. Thanks.

Information

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[Lee Enfield]

looks legit to me, no markings on right side (including serial number), no provision for a conventional charging handle, and no provision on the gas block for a gas tube, nor a gas adjustor.

[mrclark303]

Interesting piece, it might well be a factory sample .... but the lack of any serial number (I would expect to see an EXP prefix serial on a Lithgow trial's piece like this) or other proof markings sets of serous warning bells..

The gas block looks to be an unfinished example, modified to fit.


With the gas block in mind and the lack of markings, I would think it was assembled from unused parts by persons unknown. Might I suggest contacting our resident L1A1 historian and expert Kevin, also try the Lithgow museum, always very helpful people.

[mike1967]

Seller is a member of this forum. So maybe he will chime in!

[Lithy]

Thanks Mike, I do hope he does chime in. I'd like to think it's a toolroom apprentice's creation

The NSN on top of the BB carrier (which I haven't seen on a Lithgow produced carrier FWIW) and the lack of any of the usual crossed pennants or other Lithgow marks has me thinking of an outside job, but then where would an outsider obtain an action that wasn't cut for the cocking handle?

[henry r]

no idea what it is, but i want it.

[mrclark303]

Lithgow did have a big clear out of L1A1 unused parts to the trade when L1 production finished, I guess tool room parts would have been included...

I would be very surprised indeed if it came out of the factory (in one piece anyway, especially with a BSA made bolt carrier), but I would definitely give it gun room space!

reminds me of the Jonny Cash song .... "One piece at a time"

[Peter Laidler]

It's an Enfield factory reconditioned breech block carrier by the marking. I think that the cross inside a circle indicates sub standard parts generally used or associated with the DP rifles. It'll be in the EMEI's if anyone has a set.

[mrclark303]

Ah, well there we go, a lunch box special chaps..

[Peter Laidler]

Just need to clarify..... It is a BSA breech block carrier but marked as reconditioned at Enfield.