Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this historic bolt-action rifle for auction…this is the Lee-Enfield - Lithgow SMLE MKIII*!
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Lee-Enfield - Lithgow
Model: SMLE MKIII*
Serial: E17678
Date of Manufacture: 1943
Caliber: .303 British
Finish: Parkerized
Barrel Length: 25 ½"
Optics/Sights: Shielded Blade Front Sight / Shielded Adjustable Elevator Rear Sight
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut
Action: Bolt-Action
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Lee-Enfield SMLE Mk III*, manufactured by the Lithgow Small Arms Factory in Australia, is a classic example of military innovation driven by wartime necessity. Chambered in the formidable .303 British cartridge and featuring a 25 ½-inch barrel, this rifle was designed for durability, reliability, and combat effectiveness. Its parkerized finish offered enhanced corrosion resistance, while the smooth walnut stock provided a sturdy and ergonomic platform for the shooter. The Mk III* variant simplified the original Mk III design by eliminating non-essential features like the magazine cut-off and long-range volley sights, streamlining production to meet the massive demands of the First World War. The SMLE Mk III* (Short Magazine Lee-Enfield) represents a crucial chapter in the rifle's evolution. Introduced in 1915, the Mk III* retained the bolt-action, magazine-fed design that made the Lee-Enfield famous for its speed and dependability in the field. The action allowed for rapid cycling and effective rate of fire, supported by a 10-round detachable box magazine that could be quickly replenished with five-round stripper clips. The Mk III* continued to use the Mk VII spitzer bullet, introduced shortly before the war, which offered improved ballistic performance over earlier round-nose designs. Its iron sights—a shielded blade front and shielded adjustable elevator rear—were rugged and reliable, designed to survive battlefield abuse while offering quick target acquisition.
Model: SMLE MKIII*
Serial: E17678
Date of Manufacture: 1943
Caliber: .303 British
Finish: Parkerized
Barrel Length: 25 ½"
Optics/Sights: Shielded Blade Front Sight / Shielded Adjustable Elevator Rear Sight
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut
Action: Bolt-Action
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Lee-Enfield SMLE Mk III*, manufactured by the Lithgow Small Arms Factory in Australia, is a classic example of military innovation driven by wartime necessity. Chambered in the formidable .303 British cartridge and featuring a 25 ½-inch barrel, this rifle was designed for durability, reliability, and combat effectiveness. Its parkerized finish offered enhanced corrosion resistance, while the smooth walnut stock provided a sturdy and ergonomic platform for the shooter. The Mk III* variant simplified the original Mk III design by eliminating non-essential features like the magazine cut-off and long-range volley sights, streamlining production to meet the massive demands of the First World War. The SMLE Mk III* (Short Magazine Lee-Enfield) represents a crucial chapter in the rifle's evolution. Introduced in 1915, the Mk III* retained the bolt-action, magazine-fed design that made the Lee-Enfield famous for its speed and dependability in the field. The action allowed for rapid cycling and effective rate of fire, supported by a 10-round detachable box magazine that could be quickly replenished with five-round stripper clips. The Mk III* continued to use the Mk VII spitzer bullet, introduced shortly before the war, which offered improved ballistic performance over earlier round-nose designs. Its iron sights—a shielded blade front and shielded adjustable elevator rear—were rugged and reliable, designed to survive battlefield abuse while offering quick target acquisition.
Manufactured by Lithgow starting in 1912, Australian SMLE rifles like this one played a pivotal role in arming Commonwealth troops during both World Wars, and remained in front-line service well into the 1950s. The Lithgow factory became a cornerstone of Australia's defense manufacturing, ensuring local production of arms during times of global shortage. The Mk III* saw extensive use in the harsh climates of North Africa, the jungles of Southeast Asia, and the rugged terrain of the Pacific islands. The rifle's robustness and adaptability also made it ideal for modifications—such as the attachment of grenade-launching cups for anti-tank roles using blank cartridges. The SMLE Mk III* ultimately became one of the most widely distributed bolt-action rifles in history, with over 17 million Lee-Enfields produced across its various marks. Even after its official retirement from British service in 1957, variants like the L42A1 sniper rifle and the Indian 2A and 2A1 models extended the platform’s legacy into the late 20th century. The enduring nickname "three-oh-three" reflects the rifle's deep association with its iconic caliber and long-standing service history. Rifles like this Lithgow-made Mk III* remain prized by collectors, shooters, and historians for their craftsmanship, historical significance, and enduring performance.
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
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.
