Pic the First Two Lithgow Brens

[mrx]

Here is a pic of the first two Brens manufactured by Lithgow and delivered to the Australian Army on 17 Jan 1941. I may be able to find another pic of the same Two Brens.

I also have a few questions on Lithgow Brens:

I read in a forum post that Lithgow Brens didn't not have matching Barrel numbers. Can some please quote me the source of that information?

On Lithgow Bren Deacts found in the UK how common or not common is it to find the numbers matching on the Upper receiver, Lower receiver and the Barrel nut? I.e all matching numbers except the Barrel.

Is it common to find FTR information on barrels?

Do Deacts found in the UK have removable barrels. It is my understanding that the barrels are welded to the upper receiver as part of the deactivation process. Is this correct?

Thanks.

[Kev]

G'day and welcome Mr X,
There are about half a dozen pics of the 1st Lithgow Brens on the Australian War Memorial site.Pity the UK online archives are so useless

The barrels did have matching numbers to the gun but they were also seperatly serial numbered as to there manufacture.

Most of the Aussie surplus Brens are held by Withams -
www.witham-sv.com/
Get over to Beltring this summer to hand pick one !

Very common to find matching numbers on upper/lower receiver and possible to find all parts matching.

Only some very early UK Bren deacs had removable barrels,you would be very lucky to ever find an Aussie one.

[Kev]