Lithgow Enfield SMLE questions

[Gunner]

I recently got a Lithgow Lee Enfield SMLE No.1 MKIII. Now I've done some research however I got some questions. I read on a few different sights that in 1953 only 1000 No.1 MKIIIs were made making them kinda rare. Mine is a 1953 Lithgow, did I stumble onto something?
It has a SN F398XX
Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk

[Gunner]

60963
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/15/cfb10b43c91a219d1efc6699a3c98cda.jpg
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/15/c67e8c56686a20e802481f6a7a6d0cfe.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/15/e6d7a807c753152c2bd25be7fd5224dd.jpg

[rondog]

http://www.enfield-rifles.com/ Nice looking old Smelly!

[zteknik]

Nice one for sure!
I have to check my book.
But looking real close at the stampings on the side of the receiver ring it looks like it may have been overstamped. SMLE should be only one "e" and not two.
The asterisks usually denote some kind of refurbishing process so it is possible it could be a refurb at Lithgow on some other made piece.
Again I would have to refer to the book- which by the way if you would like to borrow sometime give me a shout ;)

[Gunner]

I think it got double stamped. There are two WW on lithgow and two As on MA

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk

[Gunner]

Looks the only part not double stamped is the 1953.

I think all these lithgow smle have the asteric here's one from another forum

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/15/cce6b94f59fe238fe2ef624647b24dfb.jpg

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk

[zteknik]

Looks the only part not double stamped is the 1953.

I think all these lithgow smle have the asteric here's one from another forum

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/15/cce6b94f59fe238fe2ef624647b24dfb.jpg

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk
This one seems to be stamped clearer than the one you have.
Your stampings, at least from the pictures look to be doubled?
Anyways, when I free up some more time I'll dig the book out and see what we can decipher :)
That's what's so fun about some of these ole war horses- looking them up and learning their history.

[Great-Kazoo]

You can see (faintly) SMLE the L has another stamping under it. Other than that nice looking rifle. My re-chambered to .308 was another of those dead nuts shooters.

[rondog]

I have a SMLE that I got from a member here that has a double stamp. The date is 1917, but the 7 is clearly overstamped with an 8. So I can't tell if it's a 1917 or 1918 rifle. It was sporterized and I've got all the stuff to restore it, but it badly needs a new barrel. Waiting for Criterion to get theirs on the market. They recently released new No.4 Mk.I barrels, SMLE barrels are supposedly coming.

[Gunner]

Well now I'm in a pickle. I just had a guy offer quite a sum of money for it on anther site

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk

[LariatBob]

Unless you really need the money, keep it. You will regret selling it. I picked up a 1947 MkIII No.1 several years ago. Not quite as nice as yours but in great shape. Fantastic shooter. It has become one of my most cherished rifles.