Enfield No1 MkIII No.1 WWII Australian SMLE .303 Bolt Action Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $1025
LSB#: 220516TM003
Make: Lithgow Arsenal, Australia
Model: SMLE III* (Short Magazine Lee Enfield Mark III*). Later designated as the No.1 MkIII*.
Serial Number: C85288
Year of Manufacture: 1941
Caliber: .303 British
Action Type: Bolt Action with Detachable Magazine
Markings: There is no visible mark. The right side of the stock collar is marked “MA / LITHGOW / S.M.L.E. / III* / 1941”. The right front of the receiver and the rear of the bolt handle are each marked with the serial number. The top rear of the receiver and bottom of the bolt handle are each marked “M 1841”. The front of the receiver is marked with stampings that include an Australian “crown / L / crossed flags / P” proof. The bolt head is marked “MA46”. The metal parts are marked with other Australian stamps including “OA” and “BA”. The bottom of the grip, belly of the stock and bottom of the forearm each both marked with inspection stamps. The right side of the butt is marked “R” and “MA” and “2/47”.
Barrel Length: Approximately 25 1/2 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bladed post set atop a ramped base and between 2 protective ears. The rear of the sight has a flat top with a “U” groove. It is marked from “2-20”. The rear sight also has protective wings. The adjustment can be performed by pushing in on the left of the slider and moving the slider or with the worm-screw on the right of the slider for fine-adjustment.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The hardwood stock has a straight grip with finger groove, barrel band, nosecap assembly with sight wings & bayonet lug, 2 sling loops and a brass buttplate with hinged door for storage. The buttplate shows scratches and discoloration from oxidation. The wood shows several scrapes, scratches, and compression marks. Some have damaged small portions of the surface wood. The LOP measures 13 1/4 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good Plus overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original to Rebuild
Bore Condition: The lands are bright, the grooves are semi bright and the rifling is deep. The area near the muzzle is light gray. There is fouling and light intermittent erosion in the grooves. There is frosting near the muzzle. The fouling should clean up some.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. The metal shows various scuffs & small scrapes. The bolt shows operational wear and has some cleaned surface erosion showing through the new finish. The screw heads show heavy use. The metal markings range from deep to well defined. Many of the wood stampings are light or faded. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus to Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle comes with a 10 round magazine. It appears to function properly.
Our Assessment: This Short Magazine Lee Enfield Mark III* (No1 MkIII) was made at the Lithgow Arsenal in Australia back in 1941. We dont know its service history but it was most likely put to good use during WWII. The rifle has since been rebuilt. It looks great and can do plenty of work at the range. The rifle has lots of Australian markings on the metal & wood. The markings add to its history. Good luck.