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LOT 3406
Scarce World War II Australian Lithgow SMLE No.1 Mk III* H.T. Bolt Action Sniper Rifle with 1918 Pattern Low Mount Scope - Serial
no. 72005, 303 British cal., 25 inch round bbl., gray finish, hardwood stock. This is a very scarce example of a World War II issued Australian No. 1
Mk III* H.T. (Heavy Target) low mount sniper rifle that was arsenal refurbished/assembled in 1944. The Australian Army never converted over to the No.
4 Mk 1 rifles and instead continued to use these earlier pattern No. 1 Mk III* rifles. Reportedly, there were approximately 365 of these low
mount sniper rifles assembled during late World War II at the Lithgow factory. This rifle is accompanied by a letter from the Australian War
Memorial that indicates it was assembled into sniper configuration at the Lithgow factory on January 18th, 1945. It is fitted with
a World War I 1918 pattern sniper scope with 3x magnification. The scope is attached via a set of claw mounted low scope
bases that use a double claw front mount and a single claw offset rear mount. It is also fitted with a heavyweight “target
type barrel”, as developed after World War I by the Australian shooting clubs. These heavy pattern barrels can be identified
by a capital letter “H” stamped on top of the knox form of the barrel. “FTR” (Factory Throughout Rebuild) mark on the right
front of the receiver. The stock socket is marked with the capital “A” inside a star pattern over “LITHGOW/SHT.LE/III/1917”
in a shield. Coach wood stock and handguard set. The top of the buttstock is fitted with a cheekpiece secured with two
screws. The 1918 pattern scope is marked “SIGHT TELESCOPIC./PATT.1918 (AUST.)/1/B.A.A 3650 G.A./AOC/V” and “D(broad
arrow)D 1945.” above “RIFLE NO 64188” on the tube. The “/1” nomenclature indicates this scope is the low mount variation.
The scope has an elevation dial graduated “1-10” (100-1000 meters) and features a post and crosshair reticle. Includes
muzzle cover.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 90% arsenal refurbished gray finish overall with a few patches of pitting visible underneath the finish. Scope is very fine, retains 85% original blue finish on the tube with clear optics. Stock is very fine as arsenal refinished, with a few light handling marks, and defined edges. Mechanically excellent. A very scarce World War II Australian Lithgow SMLE No.1 Mk III* low mount sniper rifle.
Estimate: 7,000 - 9,000
LOT 3407
Fine World War I French Tulle Arsenal Model 1917 Semi-Automatic Rifle with Bayonet
- Serial no. F63826, 8 mm lebel cal., 31 1/2 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Originally
developed in 1917 and fielded in 1918, the Model 1917, also known as the 1917 RSC (Ribeyrolles, Sutter & Chauchat, after the
designers) was the first semi-automatic rifle adopted by France. The 1917 and updated 1918 were phased out in the mid-20s after seeing
service in the Rif War, with the majority being stripped of their gas hardware and converted to straight-pull repeaters (this example escaped this modification) for issue to colonial
forces, often in North Africa. Additionally, a number found their way into the hands of the German Volksturm as last-ditch weapons during World War II. Blade front and folding ladder rear
sight, with a “MA T1917” marked barrel and a “MA T Mle1917” marked receiver. Fitted with a numbers matching forend and straight wrist stock with a flat steel buttplate. Barrel, bolt, bolt charger
and trigger assembly numbers are all matching. Includes bayonet, metal scabbard, leather frog, leather sling, and one five round en bloc clip.
CONDITION: Fine, retaining 60% original blue finish with areas fading to smooth brown patina on the balance with some scattered light freckling, and arsenal refinished blue finish visible on the clip
224 housing. Wood is very good as arsenal refinished with scattered dings, dents, scratches and a crack on the rear of the forearm. Mechanically excellent. Included bayonet, scabbard, frog and sling are all very good. Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500