Comment: For sale is a rare Lithgow 1917 shield pattern First World War rifle consisting of Bolt, Action, Trigger Group, Magazine, Rear Sight, Front Sight and Barrel only (as pictured). The rifle has authentic Lithgow parts with associated proof markings, the bolt action has been professionally head spaced where there is a Lithgow M – BA, Bathurst Arsenal proof marked bolt head, the bolt body is proof marked with a Lithgow star however does not have a serial number. There is a Lithgow star proof mark on the round cocking piece, with the correct period bell style safety spring and trigger guard are also Lithgow star marked. Chamber stamping on the action indicates a primary and secondary serial number where the rifle appears to have been issued to the 2nd military district in Australia with a Lithgow star proof mark. Mechanically the bolt operation and is smooth and crisp with a very tight lock-up, the 2nd stage trigger appears to have been modified to a single stage possibly for service shooting. package separately is a new Lithgow Marked trigger it also comes with the rare Lithgow proof marked magazine cut-off plate. The rear sight works flawlessly however does not have windage adjustment and has been pinned as was typical with FTR barrels, underneath the sight it is marked with the Lithgow star proof mark and what appears to be the number 2 The action also comes with the very rare Lithgow marked No. 3 magazine case with the unique magazine stop clip installed being able to take the MK VI and MK VII cartridge The barrel chamber information indicates a number of Lithgow proof marks having been manufactured in March 1930, the bore has substantial rifling and would be rated 8/10 (refer to photograph) This was going to be a First World War Australian Lithgow rebuild project for service shooting, due to health reasons and licensing requirements I am no longer able to continue with this project. This would suit a collector or service shooter that would enjoy bringing this grand old girl back to her former glory as a fully operational First World War .303 service rifle not generally seen on the rifle range these days. Refer to photographs which best demonstrates the above description any enquiries please do not hesitate to contact me preferably by text or mobile phone call as I rarely check emails. The firearm can be viewed at Roston trading Richmond Victoria by contacting Tony D on 0427 532 100