Description
Unsurprisingly, the nose cap is blank as it would been replaced at some time in its extensive history.
London Small Arms Co. Ltd (LSA) was a small commercial contractor compared to giants like the Royal Small Arms Factory (RSAF) Enfield or the Birmingham Small Arms Company (BSA), their peacetime manufacturing output was remarkably low.
British commercial & government contractors like L.S.A. utilized a letter-prefix system that reset after reaching 9,999 or 99,999 depending on the factory era. The “L” prefix sequence indicates this rifle was part of L.S.A.’s primary production run. Given the 1908 date on the wrist stamp, this serial number aligns perfectly with their early, low-volume peacetime output before production exploded for the Great War.
This rifle bears its history on the stock & the barrel knox. Apparently, because it was manufactured by LSA, it likely arrived in Australia during the early 20th century as part of Commonwealth military procurements or colonial shipments.
At sometime around 1942 it was prepped for service by the Australian Army in WW2 as evidenced by MA LITHGOW SMLE III* & 1942 on the stock (see photos). Uniquely, its magazine cut off was left in place which is extremely rare, as is retaining matching numbers.
There are numbers crossed out on the barrel knox above the serial number which we assume were rack or armoury numbers it accrued along its service life.
The “M.A.U” mark is not a standard British military stamp. It generally denotes Australian origin, standing for the Military Auxiliary Unit, referring to an auxiliary/militia designation. This also indicates ownership by a specific colonial/state entity, tying in it’s Australian provenance nicely.
This rifle sits early in the production sequence for the newly introduced SMLE Mk III, which only began full production across the British Empire in 1907.
A pre-war 1908 LSA is considered highly rare by collectors today. The fact that it survived long enough to make it into the Australian Military Auxiliary Unit makes it an incredibly unique piece of Commonwealth history.
You will know if this rare piece of Australian military history is for you so view the photos carefully & make your decision based on what you see as they form the main description & override all written information. Ask for more if desired.
We have priced this to sell so don’t hesitate if you think this is for you.
Whilst we check these out for serviceability, the warranty has expired & this is sold on an ‘as is’ basis.
As with all used guns, we recommend you have this checked by a suitably qualified person prior to shooting. Call for shipping cost to your dealer.
