Lee Enfield SMLE Mk. III* Rifle by Lithgow Post-War Austrian Police Marked

Serial #68802 / A33749, .303 British, 25” barrel with an excellent, bright bore. This is a 1919 dated rifle that was arsenal reconditioned for WW2, and has matching numbers on the nosecap, forend, and bolt. The metal retains 90-92% of the arsenal reapplied blue finish that has silvered at the muzzle, on the bearing surfaces of the bolt, as well as along the high edges and projections. The rifle now has a No. 4 type cocking-piece, and the receiver was property marked on the knox form: “ÖSTERR. / (Eagle Crest) / GENDARMERIE” (Austrian Military Police), but no US importer mark is visible. The wooden stock and handguards have been arsenal refinished to fine condition and have numerous small handling marks and small surface blemishes throughout. The right side of the buttstock has the rare Lithgow “Kangaroo” cartouche, 1919 date and an additional issue stamp are also present: “CMF / 3MD” (Citizen Military Forces / 3rd Military District). The brass buttplate has a darker brown-ochre patina and the stock compartment is empty. This is a fine, Austrian-used, Australian SMLE overall. FFL or C&R