| Place | Oceania: Australia, South Australia |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL24672 |
| Collection type | Technology |
| Object type | Firearm |
| Place made | Australia: New South Wales, Lithgow, United Kingdom: England |
| Date made | 1903; 1921 |
| Conflict |
Period 1920-1929 |
Lee-Enfield Mk I* Shortened Range Pattern Rifle : South Australian Military Forces
Description
Lee-Enfield Mk I* Shortened Range Pattern Rifle. Receiver marked SPARKBROOK 1903 LE I* and the knox form stamped SA 461. Barrel stamped Lithgow 12'21. Butt stamped with the Sparkbrook Armoury and South Australia Military Forces roundels. The later being crossed out with a 'S' sale mark and 461 underneath 6 12 on either side. A Short Magazine Lee-Enfield barrel has been fitted to the rifle but the original sights reattached and the stock shortened. On the left side of the action is a target sight plate made by BSA. It is complete with a nickel plated front sight cover.
History / Summary
A number of Lee-Enfield rifles were shortened to SMLE length to comply with Rifle Club regulations in the 1920's for military target shooting. The markings on this rifle indicate that it was issued in South Australia in 1912 and converted at the Lithgow Small Arms Factory in 1921.