Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this WWII Australian military service rifle for a penny-start auction, this is a SAF Lithgow SMLE No. 1 Mk III*.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: SAF Lithgow (Small Arms Factory Lithgow) - Lithgow, New South Wales, Australia
Model: Short Magazine Lee-Enfield No. 1 Mk III* (SMLE No. 1 Mk III*)
Serial: 78651
Date of Manufacture: 1943 (Wrist Band & Receiver Date Stamp)
Caliber: .303 British (7.7x56mmR)
Finish: Factory Military Ordnance Blued / Parkerized Carbon Steel
Barrel Length: 25.2" Ordnance Steel Barrel
Optics/Sights: Protected Front Blade Sight w/ Protective Ears & Sliding Tangent Rear Sight (Graduated to 2,000 Yards)
Stock/Grips: Queensland Maple Full-Length Military Stock w/ Nosecap, Inner Band, Pabbing, Sling Swivels, and Brass Buttplate w/ Trapdoor
Action: Cock-on-Closing Bolt-Action Repeating Service Rifle w/ Rear-Locking Lugs, Removable Bolt Head, Safety Lever, Pinned Bridge Stripper-Clip Charger Guide, and 10-Round Detachable Box Magazine Feed
Markings: Right butt-socket wrist band deeply stamped "MA / LITHGOW / S.M.L.E. / III* / 1943"; left receiver ring stamped serial "E / 78651"; right receiver ring stamped "MA / VII" proof mark and Australian Broad Arrow military acceptance mark; nosecap stamped matching serial "78651".
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
Serving as the primary infantry rifle of Australian forces throughout World War I and World War II, the Short Magazine Lee-Enfield (SMLE) No. 1 Mk III* is widely regarded as one of the most successful bolt-action military rifles ever fielded. Manufactured at the historic Small Arms Factory in Lithgow, New South Wales ("MA" / Munitions Australia code), the Lithgow SMLE proved indispensable across the Pacific, North African, and European theaters. Built around James Paris Lee's rapid cock-on-closing bolt design w/ rear locking lugs and a detachable 10-round double-column magazine, the SMLE enabled trained infantrymen to deliver an unmatched rate of aimed fire known as the "Mad Minute." Outfitted w/ native Australian Queensland Maple stocks, protective nosecap ears, a charger bridge for rapid stripper-clip loading, and heavy-duty military steel forgings, wartime Lithgow-manufactured rifles stand out for their exceptional structural integrity and Australian ANZAC heritage.
This specific example is an authentic Australian SAF Lithgow SMLE No. 1 Mk III* manufactured in 1943 during the height of World War II, bearing serial number E 78651. Chambered in .303 British, it features a 25.2-inch barrel, protected front blade sight, 2,000-yard sliding tangent rear sight, full Queensland Maple stock, brass trapdoor buttplate, and an original olive drab canvas military sling. The right wrist socket displays crisp, deep "MA LITHGOW S.M.L.E. III* 1943" roll-marks alongside Australian Broad Arrow government acceptance stamps and matching serial numbers on the receiver and nosecap. The military finish exhibits excellent overall preservation w/ smooth, dark coverage, light operational high-point wear, and clean wood contours displaying rich natural grain. Mechanically, the cock-on-closing bolt action glides w/ signature Lee-Enfield speed, the 10-round magazine locks in securely, and the 25.2-inch bore remains bright w/ defined, sharp rifling throughout. Offered complete w/ its canvas web sling, this wartime 1943 Lithgow SMLE represents a fantastic acquisition for Allied WWII military collectors and British Commonwealth arms purists.
Contents:
Model: Short Magazine Lee-Enfield No. 1 Mk III* (SMLE No. 1 Mk III*)
Serial: 78651
Date of Manufacture: 1943 (Wrist Band & Receiver Date Stamp)
Caliber: .303 British (7.7x56mmR)
Finish: Factory Military Ordnance Blued / Parkerized Carbon Steel
Barrel Length: 25.2" Ordnance Steel Barrel
Optics/Sights: Protected Front Blade Sight w/ Protective Ears & Sliding Tangent Rear Sight (Graduated to 2,000 Yards)
Stock/Grips: Queensland Maple Full-Length Military Stock w/ Nosecap, Inner Band, Pabbing, Sling Swivels, and Brass Buttplate w/ Trapdoor
Action: Cock-on-Closing Bolt-Action Repeating Service Rifle w/ Rear-Locking Lugs, Removable Bolt Head, Safety Lever, Pinned Bridge Stripper-Clip Charger Guide, and 10-Round Detachable Box Magazine Feed
Markings: Right butt-socket wrist band deeply stamped "MA / LITHGOW / S.M.L.E. / III* / 1943"; left receiver ring stamped serial "E / 78651"; right receiver ring stamped "MA / VII" proof mark and Australian Broad Arrow military acceptance mark; nosecap stamped matching serial "78651".
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
Serving as the primary infantry rifle of Australian forces throughout World War I and World War II, the Short Magazine Lee-Enfield (SMLE) No. 1 Mk III* is widely regarded as one of the most successful bolt-action military rifles ever fielded. Manufactured at the historic Small Arms Factory in Lithgow, New South Wales ("MA" / Munitions Australia code), the Lithgow SMLE proved indispensable across the Pacific, North African, and European theaters. Built around James Paris Lee's rapid cock-on-closing bolt design w/ rear locking lugs and a detachable 10-round double-column magazine, the SMLE enabled trained infantrymen to deliver an unmatched rate of aimed fire known as the "Mad Minute." Outfitted w/ native Australian Queensland Maple stocks, protective nosecap ears, a charger bridge for rapid stripper-clip loading, and heavy-duty military steel forgings, wartime Lithgow-manufactured rifles stand out for their exceptional structural integrity and Australian ANZAC heritage.
This specific example is an authentic Australian SAF Lithgow SMLE No. 1 Mk III* manufactured in 1943 during the height of World War II, bearing serial number E 78651. Chambered in .303 British, it features a 25.2-inch barrel, protected front blade sight, 2,000-yard sliding tangent rear sight, full Queensland Maple stock, brass trapdoor buttplate, and an original olive drab canvas military sling. The right wrist socket displays crisp, deep "MA LITHGOW S.M.L.E. III* 1943" roll-marks alongside Australian Broad Arrow government acceptance stamps and matching serial numbers on the receiver and nosecap. The military finish exhibits excellent overall preservation w/ smooth, dark coverage, light operational high-point wear, and clean wood contours displaying rich natural grain. Mechanically, the cock-on-closing bolt action glides w/ signature Lee-Enfield speed, the 10-round magazine locks in securely, and the 25.2-inch bore remains bright w/ defined, sharp rifling throughout. Offered complete w/ its canvas web sling, this wartime 1943 Lithgow SMLE represents a fantastic acquisition for Allied WWII military collectors and British Commonwealth arms purists.
Contents:
Original WWII Military Olive Drab Canvas Web Sling.
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
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
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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. 
Additional Information
GunbrokerLink: |
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1203970527 |
BidPrice: |
0.01 |
AuctionEndDate: |
2026-09-27 21:00:00 |
CurrentBid: |
660 |
