Lithgow no.1 mk3

Good day all,

Last weekend I picked up a 1921 Lithgow enfield. Everything on this rifle is excellent, the only thing different on this that I have never seen before is the front band is brass. Has anyone seen this on a no.1 before?

Thanks,

Matt

My 1942 Lithgow:

Any idea if the brass is put on as a rebuild as the butt stock of my rifle has 46 stamped into it

Matt

Yes, I have seen this before. In fact I recently sold a No1 MkIII* that had the brass/copper front band. I don't believe it's a rare feature but that's just based on my experience and what I've seen over the years.

The Brass or gunmetal if you will band is not that uncommon but they usually have a chemical finish that turns the metal black but it wears off

I have a 1918 dated one with the brass band, and the base piece of the butt sling swivel is blackened brass as well.

I was once told (with NO backing authority) that the brass parts were originally specific to Lithgow weapons
made for the RAN. Your guess is as good as mine.

Joe