23342083

LITHGOW SMLE No.1 Mk III – 1941 .303 BRITISH | MOTTY BARREL | CENTRAL No.4 PEEP SIGHT

A particularly interesting Australian-made Lithgow SMLE No.1 Mk III chambered in .303 British, manufactured in 1941 and retaining a number of features that make this rifle worthy of attention from both collectors and historical rifle enthusiasts.

The rifle is fitted with a MOTTY-stamped barrel and a Central No.4 side-fixing rear aperture/peep sight, a combination strongly associated with the Australian target-shooting tradition and post-service accurising of SMLE rifles.

The receiver and muzzle-end serial numbers match, while the bolt carries a different serial number — details that have been retained here for transparency.

Features & Included Accessories:

• Lithgow SMLE No.1 Mk III
• 1941 production
• .303 British
• MOTTY-stamped barrel
• Central No.4 side-fixing rear peep sight
• Matching receiver & muzzle-end serials: B81225
• Bolt serial: 25532
• 10-round magazine
• Original pull-through cleaning kit
• Original oil bottle stored in buttstock
• Bayonet with scabbard – very good condition
• Good overall condition considering age

The MOTTY marking is of particular interest. Australian SMLEs fitted with Motty barrels and target-style aperture sights are documented as having been modified for competitive shooting, and examples with this combination can be especially appealing to collectors.

Historical Note:
We have seen references describing rifles of this type as Australian “State” or regulated rifles, however, we would recommend further examination of the rifle's markings before making that specific attribution. The combination of the Lithgow manufacture, MOTTY barrel and Central target sight certainly makes this an interesting piece of Australian rifle history.

A very appealing package for the Australian military rifle collector, Lee-Enfield enthusiast or target-rifle historian, particularly with the original cleaning accessories and bayonet/scabbard included.

$1100 - Price excludes freight and transfer fees.

A genuine piece of Australian Lithgow history — enquire today.  More Photos available on request.