This Lee-Enfield No 1 Mark III* chambered in .303 British was made in Australia in 1942 by Lithgow Small Arms Factory. The receiver and bolt have matching serial numbers but other parts may or may not have been original to this rifle. This rifle does not appear to have been refinished on the metal. The stock doesn’t show many of the usual marks for these rifles and may or may not have been original to the rifle.
Overall this rifle is in very good condition. The wood of the stock and hand guard shows no signs of cracking or splitting. There are a few small dings and gouges here and there and minor wear but overall much less than is usually seen in surplus rifles of this vintage. The finish of the wood is very good and remarkably smooth so it may have been sanded/refinished at some point. The color is very rich and there is only a small bit of blackening behind the receiver.
The finish on most of the metal is at about 80% with wear/loss being scene on all parts. The greatest finish loss is on the bolt where it is almost completely lost. The magazine also shows more finish loss and may also not be original to rifle.
The bore is good, 3/5, with solid rifling but does show some leading and abrasion wear. The bolt is good and bolt face very clean with minor wear. The receiver action is stiff but mechanically functions as it should as do the trigger and safety. This rifle has NOT been test fired by us.
All hardware (screws, sling mounts, etc) appears present. Bolt and receiver match numbers but other parts may be a mix from other rifles. This is a beautiful example of an Australian Lithgow Enfield No 1 Mark III*.
