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Last edited by Aussie48; 03-06-2018 at 02:26 PM.
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03-06-2018 02:23 PM
# ADS
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I too have an LE, two to be precise (One 1901 like your's and one 1902), and I'm also curious but frankly I have no idea how to answer this question, but maybe if enough people ask you might get answers. Best of luck.
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I am not sure if Skennertons books could have that answer I may have to dig out Lithgow and its people to see what is in there I know there were a few sent over as a pattern prior to Lithgow production but as they started in latter in the 1900's it may not yield any info.
Will get back to you I am off to get a first pick at an military & ordnance collection of 35 years as the seller is doing it for a digger that is a bit ill and needs financial help so I may get my dream round an 88mm Tiger tank round you never know.
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Lithgow were making proper Lee Enfield barrels well into the 1920s. These were mostly replacement barrels for Rifle Club members.
Because the Rifle Clubs were a functional part of the Defence Forces under the 1910 Act, they eventually changed the rules to make all "target" barrels the same length as a SMLE barrel; the SMLE being the then current "service rifle". Hence the "Range-pattern" short L. E. rifles that used to be quite common on ranges for many years. They weren't just a simple "chop-job", the L. E. nose-cap was correctly refitted to the shortened fore-end so a P-88 bayonet could be attached. Because in those heady days, the Rifle clubs still shot "Snap" and "Rapid" military matches as well as the basic "Deliberate" / "Application", many magazines were also changed to SMLE types that would function with Mk-7 ball. Many were also fitted with the BSA No9 or similar folding aperture target-style rear sight that was in vogue at the time.
The Lithgow "H" barrel: SMLE Knox form and front-sight seat dimensions, "heavy" L. E. barrel profile in between.
Cinders: You know if you get that 88 round, you're going to need a bigger loading press.
Last edited by Bruce_in_Oz; 03-07-2018 at 08:14 PM.
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Cinders that sounds rough mate. I reckon its alright to pass up someone charging too much, but if they don't know much or can't help but charge top dollar (Through necessity) you can never really blame them. I've payed pretty handsomely for certain parts, but for parts I have never seen anywhere else I did not at all feel ripped, just not a bargain.
Anyway, Aussie, for something like this I don't know if you can really get an answer unless there are some records stashed away that have never come to light, or maybe the person out there with the knowledge just is not here. Going back that far for any kind of info, especially in something guarded like military stock, sounds crazy and I would not know where to start. Looking at my rifle I notice it is quite bare of markings and stamps compared to my SMLE's.
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K98 after
After a quick treatment & electrolosis on the scabbard, any clues as to maker of both items TIA
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cof = Eickhorn, cvl = WKC...both in Solingen.
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