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.

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.