Indonesian smle questions with pics

[neal]

So I have picked up my Indonesian smle(thanks for the help identify what I bought from the crappy picture of the star in the other thread) and am very happy with it, I have always been a No4mk1 type of guy and always wanted one and this one happened to fall in my lap for next to nothing.

The rifle is partially matching with a different bolt, the serial numbers on the barrel and receiver are the same as well as the nose cap, I’m not sure of some of the other parts because I bought this rifle to learn more about smle’s. I have had a chance to take better pics but now I seem to have some more questions. If anyone needs more detailed pics of anything I will try and locate my wifes camera that my daughter has hidden somewhere.

I really have no idea about smle since this is my first other than a sporter of my grandfathers.

The stamp on the rear sight protector ears may seems to make it a Lithgow rifle?

Now the serial number of the rifle if it is indeed a Lithgow makes me wonder if it is a MK 3 smle not a no1mk3 because on a website I was looking at it says “Introduce in LOC 13853 dated 26 jan 1907 the mkiiiSMLE included a number of changes….” Or would it have been all re-serialed in Indonesia when the new wrist markings were done. I don’t know if I’m really out to lunch on this or not.

here are a few others

there is no magazine cutoff on this rifle and I love the green jungle paint still on the magazine

No volley sights and a different safety than I have seen in pictures but again I have no real clue about smles

 

[smellie]

That is not a serial number in any ordinary British or Australian sequence, friend, so likely it will be from the refurb in Indonesia.

The Safety Lever is a local copy based on a Number 4 safety lever.

The Nosecap Cross-Screw is the large type, came out in 1918. So did the flat-type Safety Spring.

I notice that your Serials seem to be consistent on the whole rifle.

You have a VERY scarce toy, friend.

Enjoy!

 

[5THBATT]

Looks like a refurb of a WW2 Lithgow MkIII* the difference between a MkIII & MkIII* is the cutoff & as yours does not have even a cutoff slot it can only be a MkIII*
Btw your rear sight protector is on backwards.
Good score, cant remember seeing a SMLE marked like this only No4s

 

[neal]

Thanks for the info guys, I have finally had a time to disassemble and do further inspections. Were the stocks at lithgow serial numbered under the barrel? If so it is matching serial to the bolt so I'm wondering if they forgot to scrub the bolt. The stock is for the metal as you can see where the green paint came through at a few spots where it was matched with the areas on the metal.

 

[5THBATT]

The forend is not a Lithgow, they never used the tie strap at the back only the threaded cross pin.

 

[neal]

The forend is not a Lithgow, they never used the tie strap at the back only the threaded cross pin.

Great, thanks for the info