1953 Lithgow SMLE

[superbee]

Here is a rare 1953 Lithgow SMLE.less than 1000 built in 53

http://www.collectorssource.com/siamese-lee-enfield-no-1-mk-iii-smiling-tiger-rifle.html

 

[HarryD]

Actually there was 1000 built.

Someone should buy that quick.

 

[superbee]

If it had a matching bolt,I would have bought it.
I think I only seen one other 1953 since I have been collecting.

 

[HarryD]

Dontworry about the bolt. Can't imagine there'd be too many of those in Canada. That's a very reasonable price.

 

[SKS Bitten]

With a matching bolt, it would have been sold instantly.

 

[mkrnel]

Link now seems to be dead, was it in good condition?

 

[HarryD]

I thought it was a good one. Very limited numbers, quite hard to find particularly in good condition. A large proportion of these, only from my observations, ended up as cadet rifles and condition mostly varies from average to poor. In Australia that would have been sold in an instant at that price.
Always be careful of 53 actions stocked and assembled with 40's dated wood and parts. Doesn't mean it's wrong but proceed with caution if your buying. Lots of made up stories around 1953 production, I've heard some beauties.

 

[PinkyPlinker]

It looked great. My experience with Collectors Source is that they are always priced high. Very high. When they have something listed that seems like a really good deal, I'm immediately suspicious.

 

[mkrnel]

It looked great. My experience with Collectors Source is that they are always priced high. Very high. When they have something listed that seems like a really good deal, I'm immediately suspicious.

Yeah, I noticed they had a average condition counterbored M1917 30-06 Enfield for $1295 before taxes and shipping!

Does that seem high to most here?

 

[mkrnel]

I thought it was a good one. Very limited numbers, quite hard to find particularly in good condition. A large proportion of these, only from my observations, ended up as cadet rifles and condition mostly varies from average to poor. In Australia that would have been sold in an instant at that price.
Always be careful of 53 actions stocked and assembled with 40's dated wood and parts. Doesn't mean it's wrong but proceed with caution if your buying. Lots of made up stories around 1953 production, I've heard some beauties.

How many of that 1000 originally made do you think still exist, many must be lost by now?

How many are left in Australia?

 

[HarryD]

How many of that 1000 originally made do you think still exist, many must be lost by now?

How many are left in Australia?

Impossible to know but I would think the majority would still exist in either full wood or as sporters.