Description
As referenced on page 521 of Ian Skennerton’s outstanding book ‘The Lee Enfield’.
Offered for sale is this very nice example of an early Lithgow which has had several lives according to Ian Skennerton who we have consulted about this rifle.
It was originally issued into service & is marked 2MD indicating it was issued to a NSW Unit but then post WW1 was sold out of service sometime from 1934 onwards (see photo of Ian’s book referencing this) to one of the rifle clubs & made into a range rifle by having a Central No. 4 aperture sight fitted. It has the usual range rifle additions such as the extra sling swivel just in front of the magazine.
It is known & referenced in Ian’s excellent book ‘The Lee Enfield’ that many of these rifles were requisitioned from the clubs by the military & put into the WW2 HT sniper program.
This rifle never progressed to becoming a HT sniper most likely due to the end of WW2 but I would venture that this is an accurate rifle as the bore is immaculate with deep rifling which may be due to the grease in the barrel when we got it & the barrel protector (see photos).
It clearly went through Lithgow most likely immediately post war & was effectively FTR’s as the wood is appropriately marked SLAZ 45 & SLAZ 46 (although there is no FTR markings that we can see), plus it now has MA in the appropriate places & the later cocking piece.
It is in excellent condition as can be seen in the photos & quite extraordinarily, it retains the magazine cutoff!
We think the barrel was replaced then as it is not a heavy barrel, has a different number, has Lithgow markings on it & is marked ’45 (see photos).
This would make an excellent service rifle or for dedicated range rifle comps.
Do your own research & you will know if this is for you. Please 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 think we have described it accurately & correctly but do not claim to be infallible so if we have got anything wrong, it is unintentional & are happy for feedback from people who know more than we do.
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.
We have a pretty unique refund policy on our collectable guns whereby we will refund your money if it is not as described when you receive it. Just let us know before you decide to send it back.
