Model 1910 Ross Infantry Rifle………………..(F846) (SOLD)

Rare Canadian M10 Ross Straight Pull Rifle.

An excellent example of the sought after Model 1910 Ross Canadian Infantry Rifle.  Chambered in .303 with a five round single stack box magazine.  Overall length approximately 50.1/2″.  Barrel length 30.1/2″.  Triger Pull 13.1/8″ to centre.  Single piece walnut stock runs almost entire length of rifle with additional hand-guard over the barrel.

The Receiver is marked as follows; “ROSS RIFLE CO. / CANADA / M – 10 / PATENTED.”  The receiver also displays, quite clearly the original Dominion of Canada proof marks and more recent NP British proofs.  Gas escape hold in receiver RHS.  Straight pull bolt system with short straight bolt handle and safety catch.  The bolt body displays extremely fine case colour hardening colours.  The bolt head has an “interrupted thread-type” locking system and deep nitra-blued extractor.

The rear bridge of the action has robust yet intricate, micrometre adjustable, flip-up sights.  The sight provides a battel sight when laid down and two apertures for aiming when upright.  All of this is adjustable for windage.  The rear sight itself is reminiscent of a piece of fine scientific equipment.  The action of the bolt is very smooth and seems to function perfectly – not tested.

Rounds could be loaded separately or by means of angled pair of stripper clip guides mounted on the front of the rear action bridge.  Once in the magazine they are literally projected forward by the follower and an over complicated loaded spring mechanism.  There is a bolt removal catch on the rear LHS of the action rather like the M1903 same.

Unlike nearly every other military rifle under the sun the Ross does not have a serial number applied to any metal parts, instead it is found on the RHS of the butt-stock, this one is number “517”.  This number sits above the manufacture date of 1916.  Adjacent to those markings is the Mark number; “III” and then the roundel with a small crown at the top, within the rings.  “D broad arrow C” in the centre, and the word “QUEBEC” around the lower half of the circle. At the other end of the lettering display are the initials “K.A.” – unknown.  There are other stampings between the semi-pistol grip and the trigger guard the only readable ones are the number “180” which could be a rack or gun number.  The walnut stocks are in very good condition with no appreciable damage despite an army life.  The surfaces are smooth and the patina is building to a pleasing shine.  Single cross-bolt stock.

Strong colours exist on various parts of the action and bolt.  The exposed portion of the barrel has a good strong blue.  Some finish is changing to a russet plum/brown on exposed parts such as the magazine and fore-sight protector.  The action is very smooth.  The rifle is fitted with steel sling swivels of the correct wide pattern and the rifle is complete with a the correct wide brown leather sling, which still feels usable.  Indistinguishable makers mark present but looks to partially read “R & D BOURNE / OTTAWA  191_”. The steel contoured butt-plate has a brass cleaning trap which contains an original, Canadian marked brass oil bottle which bears the correct number for the rifle.  The fore-end nose-cap incorporates a bayonet lug – the correct bayonet is present with the rifle.

Bayonet. Overall length in scabbard with frog 16″ plus.  Bayonet alone is 14.5/8″ in total with a 10″ long blade.  Wooden grips. The pommel is marked as follows; “ROSS RIFLE CO. / QUEBEC / PATENTED 1907.”  The obverse has numerous acceptance and date markings;- broad arrow surrounded by the capital “C” of Canada. “11”  “Crown / 4″  “4 / 16″.  The top has additional markings as follows; ” 51 / 180 / 2 . 17″  Note: the “180” is the same as the number under the pistol grip.  There is a “crown / 4″ on one of the grips.  The steel is in very good condition with no rust.  The stitched brown leather scabbard has markings applied to the rear lower portion;- “MK II”  “1916,  R.R.C.  and the Canadian acceptance mark.  The blade is ground to the correct shape – it has a single cutting edge and a clipped point not unlike a Bowie blade.

This is an amazing complete offering which hasn’t seen the light of day for a long time.  Worth making a stretch for- these don’t come up too often!  Rare to find in such great condition, even more so with its accessories and bayonet.  A chance not to be missed.

Stock No F 846

£ 2495.    SOLD

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