[defender]

This rifle is not mine, but belongs to a fellow club member.

This rifle was issued in the 2nd Military District (N.S.W) in March 1916. It is completely untouched since that time. The woodwork is all Lithgow marked Walnut, and all numbers match (including the backsight). The bore is mint, and the rifle has no Armourers inspection dates stamped on it.

This is simply the best original WW1 Lithgow possible.

Enjoy!

 

[JollyGreenSlugg]

Breathtaking!

The closest I can come to that is my 1915 Lithgow 32033, which was converted into a MkIII (H) in 1935. It still wears its original walnut and has volley sights and mag cut-off.

Seen here;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ACVQKUMfoI

Cheers,
Matt

 

[bones92]

Crikey! My 1917 is not quite that pristine. But why the dual set of numbers on the rifle? Knox form has 2 sets, etc.

My 1917 Lithy... barrel serial doesn't match, but is not far off the receiver and the bbl is also '17 dated. Reworked in the 1940's. Still, I like it.

 

[miles045]

Defender that is a stunning gun, thanks for posting, congrats!

 

[JollyGreenSlugg]

But why the dual set of numbers on the rifle? Knox form has 2 sets, etc.

In the Military Districts, a second number was applied to these rifles, I seem to recall it being a storage number, as there were non-Lithgow rifles in circulation as well, so it probably made sense for storage numbers to be a straight five number system rather than trying to record rifles using the different numbering systems of the Australian and British makers.

All of my ex-MD rifles have the second number on the knox form and buttstock (where not replaced).

Cheers,
Matt

 

[jrhead75]

That is a thing of beauty! A real envy generator.

 

[Lithy]

A most beautiful rifle. Thanks for posting the pics and please thank the owner for sharing

We really do need an envious emoticon

 

[DEMO]

Wow, Thats a cracker. Thanks for sharing.

 

[mukluk]

Not quite insanely jealous... but close. Very nice rifle.

Oh, and tell your friend his sling is on backwards at the butt end... and the rear sight axis pin is in the wrong way (should go left to right).

 

[Herbs]

Very nice, how the hell is it so clean? I've got a 1915, but it's been heavy barreled and isn't fully original, shoots well though.

 

[Spike_DD]

Defender,
I missed this first time around... what a fantastic find! That rifle is beautiful and one that has eluded my collection so far.... a WWI dated Lithgow. Congrats..

David

 

[Clyde from Carolina]

That is a nice looking rifle!

 

[SMLEface]

Beautiful.

 

[mawkie]

Pure eye candy! A wonderful example of an original, unmolested MKIII.

 

[Uncle Ray]

If I'm not mistaken, it looks as if it is still in it's original MK 6 chambering, going by the photo of the rear sight ramp height, and the long range dial sight calibrations ? Very nice indeed !

 

[eleanori]

I see its actually assembled in March 1916, I have a near brother, 32133 in very similar condition, but mine went from 2nd MD to the 4th MD at some time.

What I actually posted for, is that the serial numbered bayonet for this rifle appeared on ebay about 12 months ago in the US, what a same they have survived so long but are not together.

 

[Tom Anton]

WOW

My, she's lovely...

 

[LSU Tiger]

WOW!

 

[JollyGreenSlugg]

... I have a near brother, 32133 in very similar condition...

Wow, I'm only 100 out. 32033. Where are you, Eleanori?

Cheers,
Matt

 

[eleanori]

South Australia, the gat came for NSW to me in the late 80's, nice to see she has a close relative still around.