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I've resently posted this on another forum, so might as well share here.
One of my more interesting rifles a 1918 BSA MkIII* that has a replacement receiver made by Lithgow that is marked LITHGOW 1939 MkIII* that has the BSAs I prefix serial number.
Now i know you will be thinking its just a 1939 Lithgow receiver that has been taken from another rifle but (and its a big but) in 1939 Lithgow was only making MkIIIs with cutoffs, no MkIII*s were being made, which can only mean this is a purpose built replacement receiver, note in this pic there is no slot for the cutoff.
Ian Skennerton has personally viewed this rifle & has verified it & for those who have his book "The Lee-Enfield" you will find mention of this rifle on page 566 & for the sharp eyed lot, yes the serial number differs in the book being listed as I 184115 instead of I 84115.
One of my more interesting rifles a 1918 BSA MkIII* that has a replacement receiver made by Lithgow that is marked LITHGOW 1939 MkIII* that has the BSAs I prefix serial number.
Now i know you will be thinking its just a 1939 Lithgow receiver that has been taken from another rifle but (and its a big but) in 1939 Lithgow was only making MkIIIs with cutoffs, no MkIII*s were being made, which can only mean this is a purpose built replacement receiver, note in this pic there is no slot for the cutoff.
Ian Skennerton has personally viewed this rifle & has verified it & for those who have his book "The Lee-Enfield" you will find mention of this rifle on page 566 & for the sharp eyed lot, yes the serial number differs in the book being listed as I 184115 instead of I 84115.
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