Lithgow SMLE No.1 Mk III* .303 British Bolt-Action Rifle, 1941 Australian WWII Production
This Australian-made Lithgow SMLE No.1 Mk III* was manufactured in 1941 and retains its classic military configuration. Notable features include the charger bridge for stripper loading, full-length hardwood furniture with separate upper handguards, the SMLE nosecap with bayonet boss for the Pattern 1907 bayonet, and a brass buttplate with butt-trap. The fore-end is matching-numbered to the receiver, and the rifle is import-marked by Century Arms International.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: The hardwood stock shows handling wear and age-related smoothing. Metal components, including the receiver, bolt, and barrel, exhibit finish wear and blemishes.
What’s Included
- 1x 10-round SMLE-pattern steel detachable box magazine (installed)
- Khaki web rifle sling (installed)
Built at Lithgow during WWII, this No.1 Mk III* is chambered in .303 British and uses the Enfield’s cock-on-closing bolt system. It is configured with the charger bridge for efficient stripper-clip loading and feeds from a standard 10-round detachable magazine.
The rifle wears full-length hardwood furniture with a two-piece fore-end and separate upper handguards. It retains the SMLE nosecap with integrated bayonet boss for the Pattern 1907 bayonet. A brass buttplate with butt-trap completes the correct service configuration.
Sighting equipment consists of a barrel-mounted tangent rear sight with protective wings and a protected front blade with ears. The steel receiver and 25.2 in barrel contribute to an overall length of approximately 44.5 in.
Markings include "NO.1 MK.III .303 BRIT. AUSTRALIA" and the importer "C.A.I. ST. ALB. VT." Additional observed marks include "M" on the rear sight, "43" on the mid-band, "F1 57" on the triggerguard bow, "141" rack numbers, and "S," "SS," and "F/3." A matching-numbered fore-end to the receiver adds desirable continuity of parts.