1921 Lithgow out and about (pic heavy)

[CINDERS]

Had my '21 Lithgow out for its oil up and bore patched out & re-oil, there is no rust on it as what you see is the remnants of cosmoline that I have left there. Pictured also is the Lithgow '21 bayonet that came with the rifle & numbered to it with a Lithgow '21 dble stitch scabbard.
This rifle has been through the workshops due to the front and bottom woods being replaced I have not touched them so they are still in the white so to speak neither did the previous owner do anything to the upper and lower thats why they look rough having not been finished by the armourer whoi replaced them in May '44! Also it still has the original barrel 9 '21 which is in excellent shape I do not shoot it at present! here is why. The GS I brought this from had this in his collection for @20 years the chap before him since WWII neither had fired the weapon. Here is how the GS came by it the original owner was using the bayonet to weed his garden as the GS happened to be walking by their front yard saw what was happening struck up a conversation with them about the use of the bayonet and the rest is history as he brought both. It took me nearly 4 years to convince the GS to sell me that rifle & bayonet which he did eventually but on the proviso I never shoot it, the GS recently passed away he was a friend and a really nice chap I had to supply the 12 y/o Port every time I visited him to have a chat.

Now what should I do with this rifle! it is a safe queen not a super rare year but getting on in years and still in very good shape I would love to shoot it but every time I think of shooting it I feel guilty due to my promise made to a man who knew he was reaching the T junction. Anyway I hope you enjoyed the pics, I am getting a little better at taking pictures with my wifes camera I think. TIA

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[browningautorifle]

Very, very nice rifle. Lucky catch on your part to get the antique garden tool along with a perfect sample of LE...

[Ridolpho]

Cinders: Personally I'd say you've done your duty to the previous owner and deserve to put a few rounds through it. It's not like it's going to harm it or detract from its value. Plus, 50 years from now you'll have no control over what happens to it (unless you choose to be buried with it!).

Ridolpho