Australian Lithgow SMLE No1 Mk III .303 British Bolt Rifle 1916 C&R Bayonet
SOLD FOR: $1,275.00
LSB#: LSB251205MD006
Make: Lithgow Arms, Australia
Model: SMLE No.1 MK. III
Serial Number: 40074
Year of Manufacture: 1916 / C&R
Caliber: .303 British
Action Type: Bolt action, detachable 10 round magazine
Markings: The right side of the stock collar is marked inside a shield “Lithgow /SHT.LE III /1916”. The right side of the receiver is marked “40074”/ “11743”/ “4 M D”/ —S—” with Australian Proof marks and the Lithgow proof of an “A” inside a star. The rear of the bolt handle is marked “40074”. The right side of the buttstock is marked with multiple Australian proof marks and Regimental marks, “GMF/ 4MD” (4th Military District)/ IIV/ 11745”, “III HV”, and a shield with a kangaroo. The front of the nose cap is marked “40074”. There are various small acceptance and proof marks scattered throughout. The right side of the bayonet is marked with a “B/36526” and is stamped “AUSTRALIA” on the bayonet handle.
Barrel Length: 25”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bladed post set on a ramped base and between two protective wings. The rear sight is a ladder u-notch set between two protective wings, with a sliding adjustable escalator numbered from 1-20.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece wood stock has a straight grip with wood handguards, barrel band, nose cap assembly with sight wings & bayonet lug, two sling loops, and a brass buttplate with hinged door for storage. There are compression marks, scuffs, and scratches throughout the wood. The buttstock has many Australian proof marks and Australian Military regimental markings. The LOP measures 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Rifle comes with a Pattern 1907 bayonet. The stock rates in about Good overall condition as arsenal refinished.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: 1x 10 round detachable magazine in Good Condition (not serialized)
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original to Arsenal Refurbishment
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is sharp. There is moderate erosion in the bore and stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 7 out of 10.
Many military and C&R eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide. For example, the U.S. used corrosive ammunition throughout WWII. The U.S. military did not begin to phase out corrosive-primed ammunition until the 1950s.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 50% of its arsenal refinish. There are scuffs and scratches throughout the metal surfaces. There is wear to the finish and oxidation on the receiver and trigger guard assembly, with some spots of surface rust on the most of the metal surfaces. The finish on the edges of the rear sight wings is worn. The bolt and action show usage wear. The screw heads show moderate to heavy use. The markings on the metal are sharp but those on the wood are worn but legible. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition as arsenal refurbished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with one 10 round detachable magazine, and Pattern 1907 bayonet.
Our Assessment: The Australian Lithgow SMLE No.1 Mk. III is a cornerstone service rifle of the First World War era, with this example produced in 1916 at the Lithgow Small Arms Factory during Australia’s peak wartime output. Lithgow rifles are widely respected for their robust manufacture and distinct national markings, and the Mk. III pattern represents the fully developed early SMLE configuration that earned a reputation for speed, reliability, and battlefield durability. These rifles formed the backbone of Australian forces in the Great War and continued in service well into the Second World War.
This rifle exhibits the hallmarks of long military service followed by arsenal refurbishment, retaining approximately 50 percent of its parkerized refinish. The bore is semi bright with sharp rifling and moderate erosion, rating 7 out of 10 and consistent with extended use of corrosive primed service ammunition. Metal surfaces show scuffs, scratches, finish wear, and scattered oxidation, while the bolt and action display honest operational wear. Metal markings remain sharp, and the extensive Australian proof and regimental markings in the wood provide a strong visual record of its issued history and post service inspections.
The two piece stock shows compression marks, scuffs, and scratches throughout, with a solid overall profile typical of arsenal maintained SMLE rifles. The brass buttplate with hinged storage door remains intact, and the rifle is accompanied by a Pattern 1907 bayonet, enhancing its period correct military presentation. Overall, this 1916 Lithgow No.1 Mk. III stands as a historically significant Australian service rifle that reflects wartime manufacture, decades of military use, and the enduring legacy of the SMLE platform. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!
BF
