FTRd Lithgow

emmab

emmab

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Hello. I’ve got a 1919 Lithgow that’s been FTRd 1953. I was wondering if anyone could tell me what parts are Australian? I see the BSA mark on the new barrel (spotless) The date rings a bell regarding the end of manufacturing at Lithgow. Was it FTRd in England? Thanks in advance.
Cheers
 
1953 was a busy year for FTR's on SMLE's. Most have mint bores due to being put in storage right after. Look for Aussie proof marks like this

Lithgow14.jpg


Look for the star proof marks like these on the barrel (your barrel is a replacement BSA)

1-f8398aec06ea2d3dacca7a9e722df6ad_v_1401703633.jpg
 
Hi emmab

Your rifle is part of a BSA factory thorough repair program that took place in 1953. The rifles were totally refinished and have a black suncorite finish and new beech furniture. All of the ones I’ve seen have a new bsa barrel installed marked ‘53 like yours. Some also have No4 buttstocks installed as well. I have a few myself and they are the closest thing you’ll ever get to a brand new rifle as issued by the arsenal. Great shooters as well! Mine are all british made dispersal rifles or bsa made. I’ve seen rifles made at enfield that went through this process as well. Yours is the first Lithgow I’ve seen done but it makes sense some would have been included as well as the aussies shipped thousands to the british. Theories are they were initially done for a foreign contract that fell through and then were sold to the civilian market. Nice looking rifle!
 
As far as what parts are original Australian... my guess is just the receiver and perhaps the bolt. I believe they ground off the original serial number on the bolt so it may be hard to tell one way or the other. Otherwise look for markings with OA, MA, BA OR A inside a star to indicate Australian parts. If it Is in its original military configuration you may see these marks on the sight protector, barrel band and nose cap. The bsa FTR’d rifles I have had almost all those mentioned parts replaced with bsa manufactured ones. Sorry not sure if that really helps you much... need more pictures.
 
Thanks guys!! This is going to be my only No1 restored with full wood. I’m happy about the barrel as it does look new and promises to be a good shooter. I’m going to stock it up and shoot it as this will be my first example . All numbers match with out XXs or lines so that’s a good thing. Any idea on the”crossed flags” stamp and who used it? It was bought as a sporter so it has only the S marked butt that’s useable. And now I’m wondering if the “S” marked parts are Savage? Kind of leaves all options for a correct match with the wood. Cheers and thanks again for the replies!


 
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I believe the crossed flags are a standard English proof mark as I don’t recall seeing it on any of my Australian enfields...just a guess though. If the S is marked on the top of your buttstock it actually stands for “small”. They came in three sizes; The lengths are 12 3/4" (Long), 12 1/4" (Regular), 11 3/4" (Short). I don’t think the s on the bolt head is savage mark. I’d have to look it up to see what it means my memory fails me. That muzzle looks like it has hardly any wear, should be a good shooter.
 
Thanks. You’re right. It is the shorter stock. That’s all great information. This is the reason I take these overly expensive projects on!
Cheers
 
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