2043

AUSTRALIAN WII LITHGOW SMLE MKIII* BOLT ACTION

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:150.00 USD Estimated At:300.00 - 500.00 USD
AUSTRALIAN WII LITHGOW SMLE MKIII* BOLT ACTION
MILITARY RIFLE. Cal. 303 British. S# B97853. Import marked on right side of receiver. S# matches on receiver, bolt, rear sight & forend. Bbl. 25". Tangent rear sight graduated to 400 yards. Blade front sight. Nose cap has protective ears & bayonet mount. Receiver is marked on right side of butt socket w/ "MA, LITHGOW, S.M.L.E. III* 1941". Receiver ring is marked on top right "FTR" indicating factory thorough repair. Marked on top left side "D" broad arrow "D" indicating Australian ownership mark which was used from the mid 20s to the Vietnam War era. Round type cocking piece. Hardwood stock set. Buttstock is marked on right side in white & retains traces of original acceptance mark which include III* & 1943. Brass trap buttplate. Forend has remnants of white painted rack number. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: 16 7/8" fullered blade bayonet marked on left ricasso w/ crown "JP 1907 ANDERSON" & "view marks". Right ricasso marked w/ broad arrow "X" & view marks. Straight crossguard. Smooth walnut grips. Bird's head pommel. Pommel has added brass insert in bayonet lug slot. Leather scabbard w/ green painted metal throat & tip. Leather scabbard is marked on back w/ "W". Bayonet has been sharpened. Metal parts have wear turning gray & patina. Grips have wear & small crack on left grip. Scabbard is worn w/ scuffing, but has tight stitching & appears serviceable. CONDITION: original finish stock set has wear, staining & handling marks commensurate w/ hard service & hard environments. Metal retains 50% of its original finish w/ thinning, wear & handling marks. Bore is turning dark w/ light oxidation, but shows strong lands. (23-356/RW). CURIO. $300-500.