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Enfield Rifle identification

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Eram View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Eram Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Enfield Rifle identification
    Posted: October 08 2013 at 2:47am
I bought an old enfield rifle and bayonet.  There are many markings on it and I would like to know what they mean.  I will try to post pictures if I can figure out how to do it.  I use  an iMac so all of the left click right click stuff does not apply.   It has a date of 1915 and the name Lithgow stamped on the stock.  The bayonet has numerous markings as well and Australia stamped on the handle.
WJN
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LE Owner View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote LE Owner Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 08 2013 at 5:06pm
If its a 1915 Lithgow you may be in luck. Those Lithgow rifles produced before 1916 had the receiver machined at minimum tolerance and bolt at maximum tolerance, which resulted in a very close fitting bolt that is said to have resulted in fine accuracy.
Unfortunately these closely fitted actions proved prone to jamming up in the dust and sandy environment of Gallipoli and almost all were either loosened up by armorers or sent back to the factory. Rifles from 1916 onwards were made to looser tolerances.
If yours still has the tightly fitted bolt it might turn out to be an exceptionally accurate rifle, if it has a good bore of course. 
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Homer View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Homer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 08 2013 at 6:57pm
Mine is a slightly different perspective to the previous post. Regardless of the action tolerances and how well it may shoot, 1915 is only the second year of production out of the lithgow factory. Very hard to find these in good order these days, particularly matching and original to 1915. In Australia, these early lithgows are highly regarded by collectors and not usually considered by targdt shooters. If you provide us with more detail, we can try to determine a little of your rifles history.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote LE Owner Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 10 2013 at 8:32am
Wow Eram is doubly lucky then.
A rifle that's a seriously rare collectors item, and at the same time could be one of the most accurate of the breed.
 
I'll be pleased to see the photos.
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A square 10 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote A square 10 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 20 2013 at 3:41pm
i too would love to see the photos if only to enjoy vicariously that piece of history , i seldom see these at shows and such here 
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