Lithgow Small Arms Museum

THE PILGRIM TRAIL: Lithgow Small Arms Museum

The Hayes Gallery is Now Open! A new gallery has recently opened on the first floor of the Lithgow Small Arms Museum to house the magnificent collection consisting of hundreds of pistols and rifles gifted to the museum in mid–2007 by Ron Hayes. This addition gives the museum the largest display of military and civilian firearms open to the public in Australia. To complement Ron's collection the museum has mounted a stunning 'Rising Sun' display of .303 SMLE rifles manufactured during each year of the factory's SMLE production.

Collectors of all types would be hard pressed not to see many items of interest, ranging from colonial arms to rare transitional semi–automatic carbines including a

	massive display of Luger and Mauser pistols from the early 20th Century. Tranter, Colt, S&W and many others are well represented in the display as are rare and unusual sectionised models.

	From a recent "International Arms & Militaria Collector" published by Ian Skennerton: "This has doubled the quantity and value of Lithgow's sizeable collection. It also broadens the museum's horizons and elevates it to a higher international level.

	Some of Ron's favourites are on show, engraved presentation pieces and rarities like a Gastinne Renette cased set of breech-loading percussion duellers, Borchart with stock, Persian Luger with stock, Royal Portuguese Navy Luger, S.A. Police S&W Russian with shoulder stock, Mod.1904 Webley self-loader and factory sectionised Nambu, Luger and

Colt Bisley. The superb Webley collection eclipses even the fine selection of Colts, Smith & Wessons, Lugers and 'Broomhandle' Mausers.

From miniscule 2mm Weston Belmex (only 2 inches long) up to .476 Charles Lancaster 4-barrel Howdah and .460 & .500 S&W magnums, touted as the world's most powerful handguns. From 18th Century flintlocks to current service centre-fires and target rimfires. From military and police to Olympics, hunting and sporting to engraved presentation items."

The ground floor of the museum houses a display of arms manufactured by Lithgow SAF in both war and peace. Included are experimental models for the military and prototypes for famous Australian shooters such as Lionel Bibby. Together with Australian issue arms are a

	number of allied rifles, machine guns and carbines. Many enemy arms are on display with very rare models a feature. Sectionised weapons are included and bayonets also form part of the collection.

	Commercial or outside production kept the factory viable during lulls in weapon production and many non-military items were fabricated at Lithgow during peacetime operation.
These included shearing combs, Mixmaster parts, sewing machines, hand tools, forgings and the old turn-handle pencil sharpeners to name a few. Manufacturing processes and industrial history are displayed and documented in another section on the ground floor.
	For those who have not visited the Lithgow museum we are sure you would not be disappointed. For those that have, you will be delighted with the new exhibits. Many visitors have stated that one visit is just not enough.

	The museum is open weekends and public holidays (except Christmas Day and Good Friday) from 10am to 4pm, and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9.30am to 2pm. For additional information phone 02-63514452 or email lithgowsafmuseum@ozemail.com.au