Info on 1943 Lithgow?

XRC

XRC

Regular
Rating - 100%
69   0   0
Location
FSJ.BC
Don't usually make it into this section, but a while back I got my hands on this 1943 Lithgow SMLE III*

100_0107.jpg

100_0108.jpg

100_0112.jpg

100_0109.jpg

100_0111.jpg


It seems to be in very good shape, but I don't know anything about it. Just wondering if you guys could shed any light on what I have here. And out of curiosity, what it might be worth as is.

Thanks. :)
 
Not sure what sort of info you're looking for?

It looks to be in great shape!

Lithgow kept making the SMLE until the early 50's, I believe. Yours has been sportered, by the shortening of the fore-end, and you are missing the nosecap and front wooden handguard. Depending on how it shoots, it is probably in the $150-ish retail value as is. Do the numbers match on your bolt and receiver? I suspect that wood is not original to that rifle, as by that time period Lithgow was having stock sets made by Slazenger (the tennis racket folks), in a native material called coachwood, which is usually more dark orange than yours. I also believe that the marking disc in the butt was done away with earlier than mid-WW2.

Dunno if that's of any help?

Cheers,

Neal
 
The Aussies did not switch to the No. 4 for W.W. II. They decided the No. 1 worked just fine so they didn't spend the money to change rifles. Your's, of course, is "sporterized"(bubba'd). Looks like whoever did it knew what they were doing too.
Does the serial number on the back of the bolt handle match the one the receiver? That'd be good, but does not guarantee the headspace is ok. Check the headspace before you shoot it.
It's worth what you paid for it. Bubba'd Lee-Enfields do not command a great deal of money. Usually $100 to $150.
 
Ryan,
The buttstock and fore-end look like replacement pieces. They don't appear to be coachwood and in '43 there would not have been an ID disk in the stock. The lower handguard looks to be original coachwood, note the brass pins.

Here's a pic of an '44 Lithgow for comparison.

IMG_0142Medium.jpg


Lithgow2.jpg
 
Thanks guys. :)

I knew it had been bubba'd but it seemed to be a pretty good job. It is in nice shape, and the numbers do match. So far I'm doing alright on the deal. ;)
 
My '43 Lithgow is a tack-driver, once I convince my eyes to work with the open sights!

... I was about to say I much prefer peeps, but realized that those of you who may be fathers of teenaged daughters might misconstrue what I was saying...!

;)

Neal
 
The wood looks like mahogany to me. Might be of Indian origin? Hard to say.
Queensland Maple?
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom