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West Australian Rifle Association > Records

Lithgow SMLE Mark III* .303 rifle

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1941

Overview

Rifle

Historical information

The breech marking “MA Lithgow SMLE III* 1941” indicates the receiver was made at the Lithgow Small Arms Factory (Australia) in 1941.
The stock marking “MAO SMLE III* HV 1944” suggests the wood set (or at least the butt) was produced or overhauled in 1944, likely during maintenance or refurbishment.

Details

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-205-2025.146

Width

1140 mm

Height or length

180 mm

Inscriptions and markings

Breech: “MA Lithgow SMLE III* 1941”
On stock: MAO SMLE III* HV 1944”
Serial "C26488"

Contextual information

The rifle’s original manufacture year is 1941, but it carries later markings from 1944, which is typical for service rifles that saw use and refurbishment.

Year

Last modified

Wednesday, 25 February, 2026

Completeness

83

West Australian Rifle Association

West Australian Rifle Association

Other items from West Australian Rifle Association

firearm

MA Lithgow SMLE III* .303 rifle made in 1941 and refurbished in 1944

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