Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this historic bolt-action rifle today for a penny-start auction, this is the Lithgow Small Arms Factory Short Magazine Lee-Enfield MKIII*!
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Lithgow Small Arms Factory
Model: Short Magazine Lee-Enfield MKIII*
Serial: E40818
Date of Manufacture: 1942
Caliber: .303 British
Finish: Parkerized
Barrel Length: 25 1/4"
Optics/Sights: Winged Protected Blade Front with Adjustable Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut
Action: Bolt-Action
Markings: Standard / The plate above the trigger on the right side is stamped “MA LITHGOW S.M.L.E. III* 1942”. The right side of the receiver is stamped with the serial number “E40818”. The right side of the buttstock is stamped “R MA 10/47”.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The best-known Lee–Enfield rifle, the SMLE Mk III, was officially adopted on 26 January 1907, alongside the Pattern 1907 bayonet. It featured a simplified rear sight arrangement and a fixed charger guide, replacing the earlier bolt-head-mounted sliding type. Improvements were made to the design of the handguards and the magazine, and it was chambered for the new Mk VII high-velocity spitzer .303 ammunition. Many early models, including Magazine Lee–Enfields (MLEs) and Magazine Lee–Metfords (MLMs), were rebuilt to the Mk III standard. These refurbished rifles were often referred to as "Mk IV Cond." with various asterisks denoting subtypes. During World War I, the SMLE Mk III faced production challenges due to its complexity, and demand outstripped supply. In late 1915, the Mk III* was introduced, incorporating several changes. The most significant alterations included the removal of the magazine cut-off mechanism—originally designed to allow single loading while keeping the magazine's ammunition in reserve—and the elimination of long-range volley sights. Windage adjustment on the rear sight was also eliminated, and the cocking piece was changed from a round knob to a serrated slab. As these modifications were implemented at different times and across various factories, rifles exhibiting a mix of features can be found. After World War I, the magazine cut-off was reinstated, and production of the mechanism continued until 1933, with some rifles retaining the cut-off feature into the 1960s. The inability of primary manufacturers—RSAF Enfield, Birmingham Small Arms Company Limited, and London Small Arms Co. Ltd—to meet military production demands led to the development of the "peddled scheme," which contracted out the production of entire rifles and components to various subsidiary companies.
Model: Short Magazine Lee-Enfield MKIII*
Serial: E40818
Date of Manufacture: 1942
Caliber: .303 British
Finish: Parkerized
Barrel Length: 25 1/4"
Optics/Sights: Winged Protected Blade Front with Adjustable Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut
Action: Bolt-Action
Markings: Standard / The plate above the trigger on the right side is stamped “MA LITHGOW S.M.L.E. III* 1942”. The right side of the receiver is stamped with the serial number “E40818”. The right side of the buttstock is stamped “R MA 10/47”.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The best-known Lee–Enfield rifle, the SMLE Mk III, was officially adopted on 26 January 1907, alongside the Pattern 1907 bayonet. It featured a simplified rear sight arrangement and a fixed charger guide, replacing the earlier bolt-head-mounted sliding type. Improvements were made to the design of the handguards and the magazine, and it was chambered for the new Mk VII high-velocity spitzer .303 ammunition. Many early models, including Magazine Lee–Enfields (MLEs) and Magazine Lee–Metfords (MLMs), were rebuilt to the Mk III standard. These refurbished rifles were often referred to as "Mk IV Cond." with various asterisks denoting subtypes. During World War I, the SMLE Mk III faced production challenges due to its complexity, and demand outstripped supply. In late 1915, the Mk III* was introduced, incorporating several changes. The most significant alterations included the removal of the magazine cut-off mechanism—originally designed to allow single loading while keeping the magazine's ammunition in reserve—and the elimination of long-range volley sights. Windage adjustment on the rear sight was also eliminated, and the cocking piece was changed from a round knob to a serrated slab. As these modifications were implemented at different times and across various factories, rifles exhibiting a mix of features can be found. After World War I, the magazine cut-off was reinstated, and production of the mechanism continued until 1933, with some rifles retaining the cut-off feature into the 1960s. The inability of primary manufacturers—RSAF Enfield, Birmingham Small Arms Company Limited, and London Small Arms Co. Ltd—to meet military production demands led to the development of the "peddled scheme," which contracted out the production of entire rifles and components to various subsidiary companies.
The SMLE Mk III* (renamed Rifle No.1 Mk III* in 1926) saw extensive service throughout World War II, particularly in the North African, Italian, Pacific, and Burmese theatres, in the hands of British and Commonwealth forces. Australia and India continued to manufacture the SMLE Mk III* as their standard rifle during the conflict. The rifle remained in Australian military service through the Korean War until the L1A1 SLR replaced it in the late 1950s. The Lithgow Small Arms Factory ceased production of the SMLE Mk III* in 1953.
Contents:
Contents:
This example will ship with one magazine.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection.
