1047

DESIRABLE EARLY PRE-WWI PRODUCTION 1903

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,000.00 USD Estimated At:2,000.00 - 3,000.00 USD
DESIRABLE EARLY PRE-WWI PRODUCTION 1903

SPRINGFIELD BOLT ACTION MILITARY RIFLE W/ 4-DIGIT SERIAL NUMBER. Cal. 30-06. S# 6176. Bbl. 23-7/8" marked behind front sight “SA” “flaming bomb” & “05”. Ladder rear sight graduated to 2850 yards w/ volley notch. Dished elevation knob & sm. dished windage knob. Blade front sight w/ replacement pin. This scarce early Springfield rifle was mfg. in 1903 & would have been completed as a “rod bayonet” model. When production of the rod bayonet pattern was ended in 1905, a majority of the rifles were arsenal converted to the 1905 model taking a newly developed knife bayonet. The 1905 rifles were produced for a very short time in the original 30-03 cal.; but with the adoption of the model 1906 (30-06) cartridge loaded with a lighter pointed bullet, the vast majority of the 1905 rifles were then converted to the 30-06 cal. which was the case w/ this rifle. This rifle (in spite of the arsenal conversion) is a very scarce & desirable example of an early 1903 Springfield. Bolt handle is marked underneath w/ “E”. Safety & cutoff markings have serifs. Cocking piece is later replacement. Bolt sleeve lock spring & ejector spring are not present. Walnut stock set. “S” type buttstock w/ grasping grooves is marked at forend tip “S” indicating mfg. at Springfield Armory. Cutoff recess is marked “E”. The high wood stock does not have inspection or proof marks, & has only the tiny “50” assembly mark under grip. Handguard has sighting groove & made w/ 2 clips. All milled furniture including smooth trap buttplate. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: nickel plated oiler in butt. 15-7/8” fullered blade Model 1905 bayonet. Bayonet is marked on left Ricasso “SA” “flaming bomb” & “1906”. Marked on right Ricasso “US” & “S# 31474”. Correct corrugated black walnut grips. Birds head pommel. Unmodified Model 1905 leather scabbard w/ Krag-type belt hanger. Scabbard is marked on back “R.I.A. 1906” & “W.K.” Bayonet has lightly worn blade w/ scattered spots of oxidation & very fine pitting notable in tip area. Blue finish is visible on Ricasso. Balance of metal retains traces of blue turning gray & patina. Grips have moderate wear & handling marks. Leather scabbard has wear, light scuffing & handling marks throughout. Tip has notable loose stitching. Metal throat & belt hanger have traces of original blue turning gray & patina w/ scattered areas of very fine pitting. CONDITION: original finish stock set has moderate wear and handling marks with several notable dents at the top of the grip area. Metal retains approx. 60% of its original blue finish, with thinning, flaking and scattered spots of very fine oxidation. Bore is shiny but the lands show a great deal of wear. (22-4166/RW). CURIO. $2,000-3,000.