Make: Lithgow Small Arms Factory, imported by John Jovino Company
Model: SMLE No. 1 Mk. III* (Short Magazine Lee-Enfield Number 1 Mark III*)
Serial Number: F41505 (all serialized parts match )
Year of Manufacture: 1945 / ATF Classification: C&R
Caliber/Gauge: .303 British (HV marked, meaning it is sighted for Mk VII high velocity cartridges)
Action Type: Bolt action, detachable magazine
Barrel Length: 25.2"
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a bladed post dovetailed into a base between two protective wings. The rear sight is a u-notch set between two protective wings, with a sliding adjustable escalator.
Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The three piece Slazenger wood stock has a straight wrist grip with finger groove, barrel band, nose cap assembly with sight wings & bayonet lug, two sling loops, and a brass buttplate with hinged door for storage. The compartment is empty. The buttplate has moderate handling wear and light scuffing. The only notable marks on the wood are some light scuffs on the forend. The stock has been sanded, which was likely done when the rifle was refurbished. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 7/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The furniture rates in Fine Plus condition as arsenal refurbished.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Arsenal refurbished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp with light fouling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. The finish has only some minor surface scratches and faint handling marks. The screw heads range from unmarred to lightly tooled and retain turnable slots. The markings are clear and complete. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Sling
Our Assessment: The Short Magazine Lee-Enfield No. 1 Mk III* was one of the most successful military rifles of the 20th century and served as the standard service rifle of Australia and the British Commonwealth through both World Wars. The Lithgow Small Arms Factory in Australia produced large numbers of SMLE rifles during World War II, including the simplified Mk III* pattern that incorporated wartime production changes while retaining the proven Lee-Enfield action. The rifles were known for their smooth operation, fast cycling action, detachable magazine, and rugged service reliability. This example, serial number F41505, was manufactured by Lithgow in 1945 and retains matching serialized components, an attractive feature for collectors. It was later imported by the John Jovino Company and has undergone arsenal refurbishment.
This rifle retains about 98% of its arsenal-refurbished Parkerized finish, showing only minor surface scratches and faint handling marks. The Slazenger wood furniture remains in Fine Plus condition as refurbished, with a sanded appearance consistent with arsenal work and only light scuffs on the forend. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and light fouling, with no erosion, rating 9.5/10. The rifle retains its correct military configuration with bayonet lug, protective sight wings, brass buttplate with storage compartment, and matching serialized components. The action functions correctly, and the markings remain clear and complete. Overall, this Lithgow SMLE No. 1 Mk III* rates in Fine Plus condition as a C&R military rifle and represents a desirable late-war Australian example with excellent bore condition. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids!
