Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this historic bolt-action rifle today for auction, this is the Lithgow Small Arms Factory SHT.LE III*!
Please note: This particular example has multiple "DP" (Drill Purposes) markings, including the nose cap, which is a mismatched “DP” stamped nose cap, a mismatched “DP” stamped trigger guard, and a mismatched “DP" stamped wood handguard.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Lithgow Small Arms Factory
Model: SHT.LE III*
Serial: A48348
Date of Manufacture: 1919
Caliber: .303 British
Finish: Blue
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 guard is stamped with an "A" in a star, which is above a shield with "Lithgow SHT.LE III*" stamped inside and the “1919” date of manufacture below. The right side of the receiver is stamped with the serial number “A48348”. The top of the receiver is stamped “3.M.D”. The left side of the receiver is stamped with various proof marks. The right side of the buttstock is stamped “DP”, “SA" with an arrow in between, and an “I” below it. The bottom of the trigger guard is stamped “DP”. The top of the wood handguard near the receiver is also stamped “DP”.
Model: SHT.LE III*
Serial: A48348
Date of Manufacture: 1919
Caliber: .303 British
Finish: Blue
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 guard is stamped with an "A" in a star, which is above a shield with "Lithgow SHT.LE III*" stamped inside and the “1919” date of manufacture below. The right side of the receiver is stamped with the serial number “A48348”. The top of the receiver is stamped “3.M.D”. The left side of the receiver is stamped with various proof marks. The right side of the buttstock is stamped “DP”, “SA" with an arrow in between, and an “I” below it. The bottom of the trigger guard is stamped “DP”. The top of the wood handguard near the receiver is also stamped “DP”.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The best-known Lee–Enfield rifle, the SMLE Mk III (also known as the SHT.LE III), was officially introduced on 26 January 1907, alongside the Pattern 1907 bayonet. It featured a simplified rear sight, a fixed (integral) charger guide replacing the earlier bolt-head-mounted sliding guide, refined handguards and magazine, and a chamber reprofiled for the new .303 Mk VII high-velocity Spitzer cartridge. Early Magazine Lee–Enfields (MLEs), Magazine Lee–Metfords (MLMs), and SMLEs were often upgraded to this standard and classified as “MkIV” rifles with various asterisks to denote subtypes. During World War I, the Mk III was deemed too complex and costly to produce, and demand exceeded supply. To ease production, the Mk III* was introduced in late 1915 (formally approved 2 January 1916). Its main changes included removal of the magazine cut-off and long-range volley sights, elimination of windage adjustment on the rear sight, and replacement of the round cocking-piece knob with a serrated slab. These modifications were gradually phased in, leading to rifles showing mixed features. After the war, the cut-off was reinstated and remained in production until the early 1930s, with some rifles retaining it into the 1960s.
With RSAF Enfield, BSA, London Small Arms, and the Lithgow Small Arms Factory in Australia unable to meet wartime manufacturing demands, the British government implemented a “peddled scheme,” subcontracting rifle and component production to numerous smaller firms. In 1926, the Mk III* was officially redesignated Rifle No.1 Mk III*. It was widely used in World War II, notably in North Africa, Italy, the Pacific, and Burma, serving British and Commonwealth forces. Australia and India not only retained but also produced the rifle during the conflict. Australia continued using it into the Korean War, replacing it in the late 1950s with the L1A1 SLR. The Lithgow Small Arms Factory ultimately 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.
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.
