Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Auction Company is pleased to present this historic Australian made bolt-action rifle today for a penny start auction, this is the Lithgow Small Arms Co. SHT. LE III* (Short Magazine Lee-Enfield Mk III) Later Designated No.1 Mk3*!
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Lithgow Small Arms Co.
Model: SHT. LE III* (Short Magazine Lee-Enfield Mk III) Later Designated No.1 Mk3*
Serial: A72340
Date of Manufacture: 1920
Caliber: .303 British
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 25.2"
Optics/Sights: Protected Blade Front and Adjustable Ladder Style Rear with Protective Ears
Stock/Grips: Smooth Hardwood
Action: Bolt
Markings: Standard / Features
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The SMLE No.1 Mk III was first introduced in 1907, and was a variant of an earlier Lee Enfield rifle. The manufacturers made periodic changes to these rifles in an effort to produce them as fast as possible during the peak of WWI. The main idea was to make them simpler, with less parts, mainly so they could be pushed out faster.
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.
Model: SHT. LE III* (Short Magazine Lee-Enfield Mk III) Later Designated No.1 Mk3*
Serial: A72340
Date of Manufacture: 1920
Caliber: .303 British
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 25.2"
Optics/Sights: Protected Blade Front and Adjustable Ladder Style Rear with Protective Ears
Stock/Grips: Smooth Hardwood
Action: Bolt
Markings: Standard / Features
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Short, Magazine Lee Enfield (SMLE) was already being produced by the time World War I began — this faster shooting bolt action rifle is one of the tools that helped the allies win that war due to its reliability, expedient action and precision performance.
The SMLE No.1 Mk III was first introduced in 1907, and was a variant of an earlier Lee Enfield rifle. The manufacturers made periodic changes to these rifles in an effort to produce them as fast as possible during the peak of WWI. The main idea was to make them simpler, with less parts, mainly so they could be pushed out faster.
Also helping to keep up with the demand, was the use of different factories to include those in Britain, India and the Lithgow Small Arms Factory in Australia. Lithgow Small Arms Co. is where this rifle was manufactured back in 1920.
It is a common misconception that the “short” in its name refers to the size of the magazine. It actually refers to the overall length of the rifle, which measured right around 44.5 inches long. The Lee Enfields of previous years were longer and insufficient for battle, so they were shortened to be made more effective.
Overall, the SMLE was a better rifle than the one the Germans were using at the time. The SMLE’s detachable 10 round box magazine held twice as many cartridges and even weighed almost a half pound less, both of which aided in how rapidly a British soldier could fire. What’s more, the 25.2 inch barrel with a five groove, 1:10 left handed twist, was more than enough to get the .303 caliber projectile up to 2440 fps.
After the Great War was over in 1918, there wasn’t as much of a need for many new SMLE rifles to be produced. However, the Lithgow plant had a surplus of parts left over, so the factory stayed operational in a smaller capacity until rifle need picked back up around the time of WWII.
The John Jovino Company of New York State imported large numbers of Lithgow rifles and parts. The rifles are marked JJCoNY,NY. These rifles should be inspected for the presence of brass recoil plates in the fore end. Some, but not all, JJCo rifles were made up from parts and these are commonly lacking the recoil plates. These recoil plates are necessary to prevent the coachwood stock from splitting under recoil which could occur with the firing of just a few rounds. Lithgow made SMLEs fitted with coachwood or Queensland maple stocks are the only SMLEs to feature these recoil plates.
The John Jovino Company of New York State imported large numbers of Lithgow rifles and parts. The rifles are marked JJCoNY,NY. These rifles should be inspected for the presence of brass recoil plates in the fore end. Some, but not all, JJCo rifles were made up from parts and these are commonly lacking the recoil plates. These recoil plates are necessary to prevent the coachwood stock from splitting under recoil which could occur with the firing of just a few rounds. Lithgow made SMLEs fitted with coachwood or Queensland maple stocks are the only SMLEs to feature these recoil plates.
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 $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping $65.00
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.
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.
