Tell me what I bought |
Post Reply |
Author | |
CaptainSlow
Newbie Joined: March 13 2018 Location: New Jersey Status: Offline Points: 4 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Posted: March 13 2018 at 3:46am |
I just picked this up, I am not sure the seller knew exactly the history on this. I took pictures of the markings i could find. Any info on what it is I actually bought would be great. The rifle has been sporterized.
Pictures here https://photos.app.goo.gl/rWbE9vUoWP3kkLuk2 |
|
A square 10
Special Member Donating Member Joined: December 12 2006 Location: MN , USA Status: Offline Points: 14452 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
well you bought a sported australian , Lithgow SMLE mkIII , it looks well done when sported and has a nice clean look to it , looks to be a 1926 rifle
|
|
CaptainSlow
Newbie Joined: March 13 2018 Location: New Jersey Status: Offline Points: 4 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Thanks, the guy I bought it from (nicest guy) said it was 1944, when I saw it I said "it says 1928 right on here", he still stuck with 1944.
Also this is my first rifle ever, and I am super happy with it. I love the way it looks. What about the serial numbers, there are two on the barrel, one matches the bolt, the other from what I read should have a prefix letter given its age. I am still learning what I can about these rifles. |
|
Honkytonk
Senior Member Joined: December 30 2017 Location: Brandon Mb Status: Offline Points: 4770 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Very nice and clean! Rear site gives it away. Definitely pre-1944.
|
|
Stanforth
Senior Member Joined: January 08 2017 Location: Oxford England Status: Offline Points: 773 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
The date error could be that it was a 1920's rifle modified in 1944.
|
|
Life.. a sexually transmitted condition that is invariably fatal.
|
|
A square 10
Special Member Donating Member Joined: December 12 2006 Location: MN , USA Status: Offline Points: 14452 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
i agree with stanforth , it may have a 44 barrel or perhaps one of those numbers comes up as a 44 [arsenal refurb] or perhaps the stock is marked 44 somewhere , that would be a replacement , the action definetly dates to 26 or 28 whatever that says on the wrist , i cannot see anymore ,
lithgow made the mkIII 22-41 after a brief change to mkIII* in 18-19 era , and back to mkIII* again in 41 , in the 26-28 period they were using a "B" prefix in their serial numbers , i dont know a lot more about lithgows beyond that for production but we have some members that are well versed and may even correct something , they used queensland maple for the stocks in the early years and switched to austrailian coachwood around 1941 , thats when Slazenger started making stocks as well - they oved the woodshop from lithgow , FWIW your backsight looks to be a fixed mkIII* type
|
|
CaptainSlow
Newbie Joined: March 13 2018 Location: New Jersey Status: Offline Points: 4 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Thanks for the feedback guys, hopefully I will get to shoot it this weekend.
|
|
Post Reply | |
Tweet
|
Forum Jump | Forum Permissions You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot create polls in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum |