gas operated; semi-automatic light machine gun; .303 inch calibre; with converted 30 round Bren magazine; on adjustable bipod stand; flash eliminator and foresight and protectors on barrel end; detached metal striker point

markings:

on butt plate: NZ [broad arrow]

old British proof and acceptance marks

serial numbers: stamped on butt: 384

on left hand side of body: N[broad arrow]Z 1692

on bolt: 1692

on butt tang: NZ / 3011 / E13

on rear sight: 7449 / E

manufacturer Charlton Automatic Arms Co, NZ, 1941-43

A light machine gun developed by the Charlton Automatic Arms Company of Hastings in 1942. Modified standard Lee Enfield and added a standard Bren gun magazine. Production of 4000 guns was contracted to the Australian Electrolux Company. Only 500 were made when the Company moved its production to Owen SMGs. These were issued for home defence. Only five originals left in the world.