Lee-Enfield Mk III & III* Values

[co-van]

Just bought a very nice 1942 Lithgow SMLE Mk III* (Serial D 331xx) w/web sling & pull-through for $283. All matching (but haven't checked the barrel) w/ cadet green stripe & III*HV on stock cheek; all markings are strong; good bore. Was this a reasonable price? Any difference in price and collectibility between British and Australian same model rifles? My only other SMLE is a British 1940 Sht. L.E. III, B.S.A. Co.; Serial L904xx. All metal is matching and VG, but stock has a different number below the bayonet lug and the wood looks "old", but not cracked or abused; good bore. My plan is to carry it to a gun show and sell it, but have no idea of the current price range (I bought it 10 years ago). Don't want to try to gouge someone, but don't want to give it away, either. Your feedback on all this would be much appreciated.

 

[skidooman603]

Depending on bore condition seems to be about the "going" price..Seen em from $175 POS to $700 in the wrap

 

[madcratebuilder]

My only other SMLE is a British 1940 Sht. L.E. III, B.S.A. Co.; Serial L904xx. All metal is matching and VG, but stock has a different number below the bayonet lug and the wood looks "old", but not cracked or abused;

$200+/-

More than likely the rifle was gone through FTR at one time.

 

[DougW]

The 1940 Sht.LE MkIII is a dispersal rifle built by BSA during WWII from all the WWI spare on hand. The British were so short of weapons tht they had to use the parts, especially after Dunkirk. I would say $250+ for th Dispersal and $225 for the Lithgow.

 

[Slamfire]

I guess I am now a Geezer.

I remember buying Lithgow's for $70.00.

Time flies.

 

[skidooman603]

Ahhh..another I used to buy Garands for $47.00 story...

 

[DougW]

Slamfire1, I think I have averaged spending around $75 for the #4's, but I did spend $250 for my all matching 8/45 Fazakerley #5mk1. My Lithgow is a '42 that cost around $150 a few years ago, because I have had a hard time finding one. These rifles are now wholesaling for $175+.

 

[co-van]

Thanks all for your comments about my SMLE. As planned, took the Mk III to a gun show today and the fourth inquirer bought it. By the way, an Enfield collector there said its web sling (with an open brass buckle such as on some of the Belgian & Spanish Mauser slings) was a pre-WWII type.