WW2 Australian No. 1 Mk. III* SMLE Rifle by Lithgow

Serial #B97290, .303 British, 25" barrel with an excellent, bright bore. This is a 1941 dated rifle that has retained 90-92% of the original phosphate finish, that has gray fading on the edges and projections, as well as on the bearing surfaces of the matching numbered bolt. There is an embedded piece of metal on the left side of the receiver ring (possibly shrapnel) that was ground flush what appears to be a small piece of shrapnel damage on the left side of the receiver ring and edge of the stock. It does not appear to affect the left chamber wall, although a competent gunsmith should be consulted before any thought is given to the loading or firing of rifle. All markings remain intact and strong and there is an unobtrusive import mark along the base of the charger bridge. The wood is in very good-near fine condition with numerous small handling marks and minor blemishes throughout. The right side of the butt has crisp ''M.A / LITHGOW / SMLE’’, ''III* HV / 1942’' stamps (the "HV" indicates that the rifle was sighted in with high velocity ammunition). This is a very good plus example of a WW2 manufactured Lithgow SMLE, and would make a great display piece. FFL or C&R