Guns International #: 101057941
Seller's Inventory #: CM18-750
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Guns International #: 101057941
Category - Enfield Rifles
- Military Rifles - Non-US
Seller's Information
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Seller: Antique & Modern Firearms, Inc.
Company: Antique & Modern Firearms, Inc. Member Since: 4/27/15
State:
Kentucky
Zip: 40503
Country: United States
Phone: (859) 276-1419
Fax: (859) 278-0838
Platinum Seller
Active Listings: 201
Total Listings: 15447
Seller Type:FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns and accessories.
Payment Methods: Visa,Master Card, Discover,Check
WW1 Australian Lithgow SMLE No.1 Mk.III Made in 1915
SOLD
Description: This is a great example of an Australian made World War 1 Lithgow SMLE No.1 Mk.III that not only served during the "Great War", but appears to have been in military service during WW2 and possibly the Korean War. Considered by many as one of the best military rifles ever fielded by any military, the SMLE is well known all over the world and has been used by a great many countries. It is a very strudy rifle built from excellent materials that is both powerful and accurate, and quickly earned a reputation for reliability even in the mud soaked trenches of WW1 that made lessor designs fail. Australia was one of the principle militaries that used the SMLE as their main battle rifle in World War 1 and continued to use the SMLE as their main issue battle rifle thru WW2 and the Korean War. This Australian Lithgow-made Short Magazine Lee Enfield (SMLE) No.1 Mk.III was manufactured in 1915 and is serial number 54879. It was imported sometime in the 1980's by JJCO in NY, Ny. and stamped at the rear right side of the reciever with very small markings. While this Lithgow SMLE started life as a No.1 Mk.III, after World War 1 it was updated to the No.1 Mk.III* standard which consisted of removing the magazine cut-off, removing the long range dial and aperature volley sights, removing the swivel mounted in front of the magazine, and replacing the rear sight with one without windage adjustments. Any part of the original Walnut stock that needed to be replaced was also replaced at this time. It appears that the buttstock portion of this rifle was replaced with a later variation factory Lithgow replacement buttstock without the brass ID disc that was standard on the Mk.III's. The buttstock is stamped with the Lithgow factory crest and "HV", which means this SMLE was sighted in with (H)igh (V)elocity ammunition. It also is stamped with "R" over "MA" over "3/46" which means it was last reworked in March of 1946 at the Lithgow Small Arms Factory. As you can see in the pictures provided, this rifle has a great combat used look to it. The original blue finish has a nice even browned patina to it and the stock set is also still very nice looking. The wood is free from cracks or repairs and only shows minor dents,s, and scratches consistent with a combat used SMLE. The bore in this Lithgow is dark but still shows good rifling and should still shoot great. This is common in WW1 SMLEs, particularly in a WW1 vintage SMLE that saw service in 2 World Wars and potentially a third in the Korean War. Everything on this rifle works 100% like it was designed to. The action is smooth and it locks up tight with no play. If you have been looking to add to your military rifle collection this Lithgow SMLE No.1 Mk.III(*) would be a great investment. It is a great looking Australian SMLE that has certainly witnessed a great deal of military history and the values on these SMLEs seem to keep climbing every year. SOLD Curio/Relic: Yes Manufacturer: Lithgow (Australia) Model: Short Magazine Lee Enfield (SMLE) No.1 Mk.III (Later converted to Mk.III* standard) Serial Number: 54879 Caliber Info: .303 British Manufacture Date: 1915 |
Guns International #: 101057941
Seller's Inventory #: CM18-750
Guns International #: 101057941
Seller's Inventory #: CM18-750