Aussie SMLE Parkerized?

[mike12]

Were Lithgow SMLE's parkerized originally, I've seen a few lately?

 

[x westie]

I have a 42 Lithgow SMLE, it was FTR in 1952 and is parkerized

 

[David K]

..I've a 1922, and it's blued. Later War production, you may find them with a Green painted type of finish. Intended to prevent, or minimize, rust in the tropics. ... David K

 

[bigedp51]

..I've a 1922, and it's blued. Later War production, you may find them with a Green painted type of finish. Intended to prevent, or minimize, rust in the tropics. ... David K

Prior to WWII Enfield rifles were inspected 4 times per year, 3 mini visual inspections and one complete tear-down inspection. During the yearly tear-down inspection the stock would be re-oiled with raw linseed oil.

After Dunkirk it was decided to not do the yearly tear-down inspection and only inspect and repair the rifle as needed. "ALL" rifles at home and abroad were painted below the wood line and raw linseed oil was issued to the troops to oil their stocks. In a nut shell it was "if it ain't broke don't fix it" a war was on.

 

[Beadwindow]

My 1918 Lithgow definitely has a different finish from my blued Ishapore. The magazine carries the same finish as the rifle.

I'm not sure at the moment if it's been FTR'd (I think the stock has WW2 dates and would have to check), but even if it's not parkerized, the finish still differs from regular bluing and does not look like paint.

 

[collector67]

My 1942 wire wrap is Parkerized.