Australian, WW2, Bren Mk I Light Machine Gun by Lithgow, With Bi-Pod & Magazine, Dated 1943, Serial A8208, DP-Marked, Old Spec - Deactivated

*Australian, WW2, Bren Mk I Light Machine Gun by Lithgow, With Bi-Pod & Magazine, Dated 1943, Serial A8208, DP-Marked, Old Spec - Deactivated*

An excellent and complete World War II Bren Mk I light machine gun, manufactured by the Lithgow Small Arms Factory, New South Wales, in 1943, serial A8208. All visible components appear original to this gun, consistent with 1943 Lithgow manufacture, showing matching wartime and post-war inspection marks throughout. The receiver is clearly marked “BREN Mk I – LITHGOW M.A. 1943” with the matching serial number repeated on the bolt handle. The internal receiver machining shows the correct crossed-flags Lithgow inspection marks and clean arsenal finish. Converted for training as a Drill Purpose (DP) example, it carries correct factory-style DP stamps and yellow paint stencilling on both sides of the buttstock.  The stock is an original Slazenger 1942 component, stamped SLAZ / 42 / 3 / S, and retains its full metal fittings including the brass buttplate. The body and barrel are covered with Australian ordnance and inspection marks, including several Broad Arrows and star-shaped Lithgow inspection proofs.

The original barrel is dated 12 ’43 with the War Department arrow and carries the replacement serial 31961 over a struck-through earlier number. On the left side of the receiver is the marking “12.50 FTR”, denoting a Factory Thorough Repair undertaken at Lithgow in December 1950. The bolt handle is additionally stamped “M.A. 54”  indicating further inspection or re-issue in 1954.

The included 30-round curved magazine is original wartime manufacture, marked M/117 with Broad Arrow, confirming Australian origin.  The gun has been deactivated to old UK specification, retaining full external function including the trigger, selector, and cocking mechanism.

Historical Note:
The Bren light machine gun was the principal squad support weapon of British and Commonwealth forces throughout the Second World War. Australia began licensed production at Lithgow in 1940, eventually manufacturing more than 17,000 examples of the Mk I and Mk I(M). Australian Brens saw widespread service in North Africa, New Guinea, and the Pacific campaigns, earning a reputation for superb reliability in tropical conditions.

This example encapsulates the Bren’s long Commonwealth service life: built in 1943 at Lithgow, rebuilt to full standard in 1950 and again inspected in 1954, before eventual conversion to Drill Purpose for training and ceremonial use. Such markings and dates trace a complete narrative of active use, post-war refurbishment, and preservation by Australian ordnance depots.

*Condition*
In very good condition, retaining clear markings and matching serials. The finish shows even wartime parkerising with only light wear to high points and handling edges. Woodwork is solid and displays an attractive patina with crisp Slazenger markings and original yellow DP paint still visible. Mechanically complete to old-spec standard, with a smooth action and removable magazine. Overall, a well-preserved and authentic Lithgow-produced Bren with excellent provenance. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

Please contact the office prior to purchase if you'd like to arrange collection.

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