Lithgow SMLE

[artyldr01]

Here are a few photos of the markings on mine. I forgot to get a photo of the nosecap but it should match too.

[Rtf2lover17]

I didn't read all of the markings to be honest but serial number is f599, so know it's 44 production. The biggest thing that concerns me is the stock. It's an unfinished blonde color. I've always seen Enfields with stocks more like yours. Ofcourse I'm sure linseed oil makes a difference, just not sure if the Aussies put this stock on and for some reason didn't oil it or if an importer may have put a reproduction stock on, not sure. It did have markings that seemed to be authentic to the rifle. But my memory is all that serves me with it

[artyldr01]

I didn't read all of the markings to be honest but serial number is f599, so know it's 44 production. The biggest thing that concerns me is the stock. It's an unfinished blonde color. I've always seen Enfields with stocks more like yours. Ofcourse I'm sure linseed oil makes a difference, just not sure if the Aussies put this stock on and for some reason didn't oil it or if an importer may have put a reproduction stock on, not sure. It did have markings that seemed to be authentic to the rifle. But my memory is all that serves me with it

Australian wood can be blonde, there are a couple different types used, Coachwood being common. Just Google your rifle, you will see some blonde-ish stocks.

[Rtf2lover17]

Australian wood can be blonde, there are a couple different types used, Coachwood being common. Just Google your rifle, you will see some blonde-ish stocks.

So went back to the gun shop today, I decided to take it off layaway, although an authentic ww2 serial number, looked like a parts gun and just don't wanna deal with that. So the owner let me trade it for one out of his personal collection in his office. This is what I'm looking for! Serial # "C 72820". Looks much more original with the buttstock markings and everything, better bore than the Lithgow rebuild. Again can't upload any photos, but do you know the production date of this rifle? Is it another Lithgow or is this on a British rifle? Can't find any serial # info on British smle's from ww2

[artyldr01]

So went back to the gun shop today, I decided to take it off layaway, although an authentic ww2 serial number, looked like a parts gun and just don't wanna deal with that. So the owner let me trade it for one out of his personal collection in his office. This is what I'm looking for! Serial # "C 72820". Looks much more original with the buttstock markings and everything, better bore than the Lithgow rebuild. Again can't upload any photos, but do you know the production date of this rifle? Is it another Lithgow or is this on a British rifle? Can't find any serial # info on British smle's from ww2

I don't believe anyone but Lithgow, or Ishapore made the "SMLE" in WW2. If it is a Lithgow, C serial numbers are 1941. Ishapore's are harder to mail down since it may be built on an older British receiver.

[Rtf2lover17]

I don't believe anyone but Lithgow, or Ishapore made the "SMLE" in WW2. If it is a Lithgow, C serial numbers are 1941. Ishapore's are harder to mail down since it may be built on an older British receiver.

It is most certainly a Lithgow after some research. All the markings are where and what they are supposed to be, i haven't checked all the numbers yet but I didn't see any signs of it being tampered with other than by the Australian military.

[MJ1]

you need some close ups.

[Bindi2]

I don't believe anyone but Lithgow, or Ishapore made the "SMLE" in WW2. If it is a Lithgow, C serial numbers are 1941. Ishapore's are harder to mail down since it may be built on an older British receiver.

BSA made The No1 Mk3* well into WW2 44 or 45.

[artyldr01]

BSA made The No1 Mk3* well into WW2 44 or 45.

I was shooting from the hip, thanks!

[CINDERS]

Production dates for the MKIII at L.S.A.F;

00001 to 99999 (1913 – 1918)

Manufactured Lithgow SAF A00001 to A99999 (1918 – 1920s)

Manufactured Lithgow SAF B00001 to B99999 (1920s – 1941)

Manufactured Lithgow SAF C00001 to C99999 (1941)

Manufactured Lithgow SAF D00001 to D99999 (1941 – 1942)

Some manufactured in Orange SAF-3 E00001 to E99999 (1942 – 1944)

Manufactured Orange SAF-3 F00001 to F39580 (1944 – 1945)

Manufactured Orange SAF-3 F39581 to F40580 (1953) Manufactured Lithgow SAF (machinery trials)