Lithgow Sniper Rifle No1 MkIII* HT (AUST)/1

[Son]

Looks to be in nice condition. Are you sure it wasn't converted in 1945?
What's the number on the bases? I'll check my lists to see if your scope has been recorded before.
The N on the bottom of the butt like that I haven't noticed before. It should be on the bottom of the wrist, and smaller (if marked at all). The long and short butts were marked L and S respectively on the heal (top rear) so that they were easily visible as not being standard.

I don't know how you can tell it's been used in a major conflict by an Australian sniper... Quite a lot of these rifles were used for training purposes right up to the late 70's, and many others were sold to and used by target shooters- which seems to be the case for many that are missing the scopes, as they didn't use them.

I don't have a spare scope- wish I had a boxfull for all the scopeless rifles I have on record! If I hear of a scope coming up, I'll give you a heads-up.

[LithgowHT]

Yeah the the N is a bit odd, seeing as L is for Long and S for short I just assumed some over enthusiastic armourer stamped that for Normal, it's the standard length.

As for the conflict, I bought the rifle off a guy who's father used the rifle as an Australian Military sniper, actual details not discussed in depth for privacy reasons.

The date, you're right 1945. Had a look in Ian Skennerton's book and the serial matches that date, I was going off the stamp on the fore end furniture SLAZ 44.

[LithgowHT]

Also if you have any examples of the L and S markings could you send a link.
Thanks again.

[Son]

Also if you have any examples of the L and S markings could you send a link.
Thanks again.

Just went through my pics- I have an "S" butt on my HT, but no pic of the marking. Also have an early English .22 trainer with an "L" marked butt, no pics of it either. Will remedy that and post them here. Cannot discount the N on your butt- there are quite few ways these rifles vary- this may be another.

[LithgowHT]

JUST MISSED OUT!, well not quite, the guy who listed this HT had his add placed on the site at 2am and was inundated with calls at 3am. Understandably he wasn't happy.

A complete HT with matching scope, sling, pull through and oil bottle. Not to mention a bayonet.
Sold for $4000.
Serial Numbered 23062 A genuine high mount in excellent condition.
Bugger.

[Son]

Yeh, saw that one about midday. I figured the seller was being pestered out of his mind, otherwise why bother getting the "sold" sign up so quick!

Looked very good for the money... I wonder if we'll see the new owner here in a couple of weeks.

Here's the pics of the but markings too. Finally took some pics the other day.

[Badger]

A complete HT with matching scope, sling, pull through and oil bottle. Not to mention a bayonet.
Sold for $4000.
Serial Numbered 23062 A genuine high mount in excellent condition.
Bugger.

Do you have a link to the auction?

Regards,
Badger

[LithgowHT]

The site is used guns
Cannot help but drool over the one that got away, don't want to inflate prices but I have no doubt that he could of sold it just as quickly for 6000 easily.
Thanks for the pictures Brad, whats the country of origin for those rifles?, would the L be BSA? or Australian.
Heard a bit about the bantam stocks, however could these have been used mainly for range use and not military service?

[Lithy]

Badger, keep a close eye on Son.

He's using your bandwidth to recruit members for his infamous HT Club

HT owners aren't to be trusted

[LithgowHT]

I'm not obsessed with HT Lithgows just ignore my user name......