West Australian Rifle Association > Records
Lithgow SMLE Mark III* .303 rifle
1941Overview
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
West Australian Rifle Association
West Australian Rifle Association
Other items from West Australian Rifle Association
MA Lithgow SMLE III* .303 rifle made in 1941 and refurbished in 1944
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