[bnice]

I ran across a Lithgow in my favorite gunshop and am considering rescuing it. Sitting right there in between 2 bubbaized no. 4's. He is asking $330.00. It has a very light reddish looking rust covering most of the metal surfaces. Markings on the metal are sharp and easily read. The wood is in generaly good shape, the Lithgow shield is faintly visable on the right side of the butt stock. I have not had the chance to check the bore yet. Questions, is this a fair price ( he will usualy come off the listed price 10 to 15%), will the rust clean off without leaving pits and scars.

My collection thus far:

No5 Mk 1 (F) 2/47
No4 Mk 1* Longbranch 1944
No1 MK 111* Enfield 1918 Fiana Fail
P-14 ERA

 

[limpetmine]

rust

Rust will usually come off with a very light scurbbing with a tee shirt and WD-40, or some other oil. If it is really bad, use a green pot scurbbing bad. Or, if you must, very fine steel wool. NEVER sandpaper. Oil it up, wipe it down, you may/will loose some the finish, but that is the way it goes.
It is a good price? Depends, what year is it? 1912,1913,1937 you bet. Others.....well,
I've paid more and I've paid less. Not a rare bargan, but it will fill a hole in your nice start on a collection.
You may want to get a few books, if you don't have them, and figure out what direction you want to go in your collection. This will focus your "hunts" at shows, etc, and makes it more fun. For me, anyway....
ATB

 

[Snowman]

Must save!!!

Hello Bnice. Depending on the year, I'd say go for it!. If it's a 20's dated DEFINATELY! I don't think many were made. There's alot of Enfield parts floating around. Numrich's website has an exploded version of the No.1 MKIII. It almost makes it too easy AND Tempting to do it! That and the fact that Lithgows are one of the BEST Enfields made (JMHO) and deserve to be restored!

 

[bnice]

Thanks for the info and encouragement....

I will return to the shop and check the bore and dates. This is the first Lithgow I have ever seen around here and it would stink if bubba got it and slapped a scope on it!! I have Skinnertons " The British Service Lee " and have spent hours in it. My favorites are No.1 rifles and think that is the way I would go in furtheing my collection. I am very fond of the No. 5's as well and would not pass a good deal on one. I have been a member here for several years and have learned a great deal just lurking. Thanks for the advice and I will post pics if I am sucessful..........