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    Markings on 1919 BSA SMLE

    Hello all, I purchased a 1919 BSA No.1 Mk.III* a while back and have been researching the markings ever since. I have gotten most of them figured out, but some are just anomalies that I cannot decipher for the life of me. Could anyone possibly help?

    Marking #1
    Attachment 100313

    Marking #2
    Attachment 100314

    Marking #3
    Attachment 100315

    Marking #3 Closer look
    Attachment 100316

    One of the strangest is marking #2, which I believe is an early Lithgowicon inspection mark on the nosecap of a BSA rifle, the serial numbers match oddly enough but I'm not sure how or why it would have ended up with an Aussie marking.

    Can anyone help me figure out what these markings mean?
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    A Collector's View - The SMLE Short Magazine Lee Enfield 1903-1989. It is 300 8.5x11 inch pages with 1,000+ photo’s, most in color, and each book is serial-numbered.  Covering the SMLE from 1903 to the end of production in India in 1989 it looks at how each model differs and manufacturer differences from a collecting point of view along with the major accessories that could be attached to the rifle. For the record this is not a moneymaker, I hope just to break even, eventually, at $80/book plus shipping.  In the USA shipping is $5.00 for media mail.  I will accept PayPal, Zelle, MO and good old checks (and cash if you want to stop by for a tour!).  CLICK BANNER to send me a PM for International pricing and shipping. Manufacturer of various vintage rifle scopes for the 1903 such as our M73G4 (reproduction of the Weaver 330C) and Malcolm 8X Gen II (Unertl reproduction). Several of our scopes are used in the CMP Vintage Sniper competition on top of 1903 rifles. Brian Dick ... BDL Ltd. - Specializing in British and Commonwealth weapons Specializing in premium ammunition and reloading components. Your source for the finest in High Power Competition Gear. Here at T-bones Shipwrighting we specialise in vintage service rifle: re-barrelling, bedding, repairs, modifications and accurizing. We also provide importation services for firearms, parts and weapons, for both private or commercial businesses.
     

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    Maybe articles from here might help.

    Jay Currah's Lee-Enfield Rifle Website

    Regards,
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    Last edited by Badger; 05-07-2019 at 08:58 AM.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Badger View Post
    Maybe articles from here might help.

    Jay Currah's Lee-Enfield Rifle Website

    Regards,
    Doug
    Unfortunately I searched there too and tbe only one listed is the Lithgowicon mark, which deepens the mystery.

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    hi has the smle been sent to Australiaicon after ww1 is the a ftr stamp on the left hand side wrist

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    The nose piece could be Australianicon not BSA.. Rifles and parts got moved around in general stores and repair workshops. Adds to the rifles history. Are there any stamps on the Butt.

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    Definitely a Lithgowicon mark, can we see the serial number on the nose cap, has it been re-numbered?

    You have to remember the rifle is 100 years old, with many years in civilian hands post service, so literally anything can be encountered at this point, re markings.

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    The nosecap doesn't appear to be renumbered and the stock has no markings to indicate if it was a replacement or not, but I also cannot find a factory thorough repair mark of any form anywhere on the rifle. I attached some more pictures of different markings and the nosecap.

    EDIT: I forgot to mention that the barrel, receiver, and nosecap all have the same serial and have not been renumbered.

    Attachment 100338
    It doesn't appear to be renumbered and there are no other markings I can find.
    Attachment 100339
    This is the magazine, it appears the main serial number was thoroughly stamped by the factory all over but the absence of any FTR markings perplexes me.
    Attachment 100340
    Here is the right-side butt socket, notice that very strange 9 that seems to be deeply stamped (possibly over another number?)
    Attachment 100341
    The underside of the receiver and barrel have markings of all kinds, mostly inspector's. Not sure what the 50, the W, and the 3 (under the flash) are though.
    Attachment 100342
    She was clearly rebarreled in 1919, but why would that be if it was made in 1919?
    Attachment 100343
    Another mystery mark I forgot to post, this is located on the bottom side of the stock just behind the wrist. There are no other markings on the butt-stock, not even a unit medallion.
    Last edited by Jack Flat Cap; 05-08-2019 at 07:59 AM.

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    Mags are not numbered at the factory. That is not a re barrel that is the original barrel but then a new 1919 barrel could have been in the rack of barrels. I would think that is a new bayonet boss that was numbered to the rifle when fitted.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Bindi2 View Post
    Mags are not numbered at the factory. That is not a re barrel that is the original barrel but then a new 1919 barrel could have been in the rack of barrels. I would think that is a new bayonet boss that was numbered to the rifle when fitted.
    Adding to this, the numbering on the Nose cap is a little hap hazard, not "armourer neat"
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    Quote Originally Posted by mrclark303 View Post
    Adding to this, the numbering on the Nose cap is a little hap hazard, not "armourer neat"
    Do you think a civilian owner did it?

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