plate
| Exc. | V.G. | Fair |
| 28000 | 25000 | 20000 |
British Maxim Nordenfelt M1895 in 7.65mm • Courtesy private NFA collection, Paul Goodwin photo
AUSTRALIA
Australian Military Conflicts, 1870-Present
The period of the last quarter of the 19th century was marked by colonization and westward expansion similar to that in the U.S. In 1901 the various colonies were federated as states into a Commonwealth of Australia. Australia fought on the side of Great Britain in both world wars. Australia sent troops to Vietnam in the 1960s and 1970s.
HANDGUNS
The Australian military currently uses the Browning Model 1935 designated the L9A1. These guns were manufactured by Inglis during World War II and since by FN. Chambered for 9mm cartridge. The first FN built pistols were purchased in 1963.
Australian Model L9A1 Pistol
This model is the standard British issue 9mm Model 1935 pistol built by FN under contract. Marked, “PISTOL, SELF-LOADING” instead of “PISTOL, AUTOMATIC.” First ordered in June of 1963. None have been imported to the U.S.
SUBMACHINE GUNS
Australian military forces currently use its own designed and produced F1 submachine gun as well as the HK MP5 and MP5SD. The Sterling L34A1 silenced version is also used by special operations units.
Owen
This Australian submachine gun is chambered for the 9mm Parabellum cartridge. It features a top mounted 33-round magazine and quick release barrel attachment. The barrel is 9.75" long and the rate of fire is 700 rounds per minute. Weight is about 9.25 lbs. It was produced from 1941 to 1944. Marked “OWEN 9MM MKI LYSAGHT PK AUSTRALIA PATENTED 22/ 7/41” on the right side of the frame.
Pre-1968
Exc. V.G.
| Exc. | V.G. | Fair |
| 17500 | 15000 | 12000 |
Pre-1986 manufacture with new receiver or re-weld
| Exc. | V.G. | Fair |
| 12000 | 9000 | N/A |
Austen Mark I
Introduced in 1943 this gun is a take-off on the British Sten with a folding butt similar to the MP40. Chambered for the 9mm Parabellum cartridge and fitted with an 8" barrel with forward grip. Uses a 28-round box magazine. Rate of fire is approximately 500 rounds per minute. Weight is about 9 lbs. About 20,000 were produced between 1943 and 1945 by Diecasters and Carmichael in Australia.
Austen Submachine Gun • Courtesy Thomas Nelson, from The World’s Submachine Guns, Vol. 1
Pre-1968
| Exc. | V.G. | Fair |
| 17500 | 15000 | 12000 |
Pre-1986 manufacture with new receiver or re-weld
| Exc. | V.G. | Fair |
| N/A | N/A | N/A |
F-1
First introduced in 1962, this submachine gun was built by the Australian arsenal at Lithgow. Chambered for the 9mm Parabellum cartridge and fitted with an 8" barrel, this gun has a round receiver with a wooden buttstock with pistol grip and perforated barrel jacket. The 34-round magazine is top mounted. Weight is about 7 lbs. Rate of fire is approximately 600 rounds per minute.
NOTE: It is not known how many, if any, of these guns are in the U.S. and are transferable. Prices listed below are estimates only.
Pre-1968
| Pre-1968 | ||
| Exc. | V.G. | Fair |
| 18000 | 15000 | 12000 |
Owen • Paul Goodwin photo
RIFLES
In 1985 the Australian Defense Ministry adopted the Steyr AUG 5.56mm F8 rifle as its service rifle. Australia also uses the British Parker Hale M82 Sniper Rifle, as well as the U.S. M16A1 rifle.
No. 1 SMLE Mark III
Made in Australia by M.A. Lithgow 1914-1945. This is the same as the English made SMLE #1 Mk III and is chambered in .303 British. It has a 10-round detachable magazine. Many were imported to the U.S. in the 1990’s. Serial number is usually found on the receiver, bolt, nose cap and fore stock. Deduct 20 percent for MM parts.
No. 1 SMLE Mark III* H
Built only at Lithgow arsenal in Australia and features a heavier barrel marked with an “H” near the receiver.
