Images(2)

Magazine for .303 Lee Enfield Rifle

Datec 1918

Object number00018363

NameMagazine

MediumSteel

DimensionsOverall: 82 x 95 x 30 mm, 0.15 kg

ClassificationsArmament

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Russell Hamer

Terms

DescriptionThis is a magazine for the Short Magazine Lee Enfield Mk. III* SMLE bolt action rifle. The rifle was a wartime variant of the widely used Lee Enfield bolt action rifle.HistoryWith the foundation of the Commonwealth in 1901, Australian military and naval forces were centralised. Shortly after Federation, attention turned to the local production of firearms. In 1908, Lithgow was selected as the site for an Australian firearms factory. This decision was confirmed during Lord Kitchener's visit the following year. Production begun at Lithgow in 1912. By March 1914 production was 'in full swing', and by the end of the war 1,600 rifles were being produced each week. Many rifles were sent to Europe for British and French use. The Mark III* was a wartime model, which differed from the standard Mark III rifle, lacking long range sights, and various other minor features. Between the wars, Lithgow produced a range of domestic goods, and civilian rifles, before returning to wartime production in 1939.SignificanceThis ammunition was used in Short Magazine Lee Enfield Mk. III* SMLE bolt action rifle, which is still in use by Australia's Naval Forces and is testament to the longevity of these firearms.