1942 lithgow

[4md]

The Lithgow Lee Enfield No.1 Mk III* was mass produced until the end of WW2 in 1945 and then a batch of 1,000 was made in the early 1950s to test the machinery in case WW3 broke out if Korea escalated out of control. It remained as the army's service rifle through the Korea and Malaya campaigns until replaced by the FN FAL L1A1 SLR variant from the late 50s on-CMF ('National Guard/Territorials') units used the LE until the mid 60s especially country based units and the high school based Cadet Corps until 1975. Our army never used the later No.4 or No.5 Jungle carbine types except in very small numbers from British stocks in Malaya.
As the rifle was surplussed in large numbers after both WW1 and WW2 they were common in use by farmers, target shooters and hunters for many years but are now becoming rare as many have been 'shot out' and good quality .303 ammo is expensive-good examples are also very collectable these days.

I would love to get one of those 1950's rifles, im sure they would fetch a nice price these days.
my 1917 lithgow was an old farmers rifle he used to shoot roo's for his dogs, its a bit rough but has plenty of character. It has the original Qld maple butt stock with coachwood foreend and a heavy barrel.It probably saw service in two wars then as a target rifle then sat in the ute on the farm getting bashed around....still shoots beautifully

regards Paul

[M14sRock]

Beautiful rifle Paul.

[lithgow]

4MD-I saw one of The 1,000 for sale on 'Used Guns' last year for about $1,400 or so-not that much for a rare rifle-was on sale there for a while-gave thought to buying it but didn't-should have though... I have a 1917 MkIII, 1943 MkIII* and a 1941/1947 .22 trainer Lithgow made examples.

[4md]

4MD-I saw one of The 1,000 for sale on 'Used Guns' last year for about $1,400 or so-not that much for a rare rifle-was on sale there for a while-gave thought to buying it but didn't-should have though... I have a 1917 MkIII, 1943 MkIII* and a 1941/1947 .22 trainer Lithgow made examples.

there is a rare rifle on there now..... out of my league. I saw your 1917 which came up in the similar thread section, very nice rifle.
i have 3 lithgows a 1916,1917 and the 1942, my 1916 has ww2 coachwood furniture unfortunately as i would like an untouched early example with Qld maple or walnut, with volley sights etc..but like you said untouched rifles are gettin very collectable and are snapped up quickly

[AIF]

Awesome rifle you have there Paul!! And in great condition too!! All you need to finish it off is the Aussie ww2 cotton muzzle cover

[guns ltd]

Very nice Rifle Paul!
Thanks for showing us.

John

[37Webbing]

A very nice riffle.
The Lee-Enfield family of riffles are very nice shooters, and the Australian riffles are of a super quality.

[Panzer 3]

Hi Paul,
One of the cleanest iv seen in ages mate, for it,s age it has,nt been banged about i would like a lithgow for my collection but dont seem to get many over here. you lot are lucky you can still shoot them over there most here have deac,s like myself. thanks for showing it .
Dave.