US 1903 Springfield Service Rifle………..SOLD

A reconditioned WWI period Springfield.

Most of the components on this rifle are world war one era parts that were originally fitted to the weapon.  The exception is the stock.  It is without grasping groves and gives away the fact that the rifle was reconditioned later in its life at the Raritan Arsenal.  It is a two cross bolt stock.  The “RA-P” inspectors stamp on the LHS indicates this fact.  A little further back at the wrist of the stock, it is just possible to see the faint original boxed cartouche of FJA, from when it was first issued.

The serial number is 851519, this coincides with data putting the date of build as 1918, this in turn tallys with the barrel date, behind the fore-sight.  The barrel is marked “S.A. / flaming bomb / 4-18”.  The receiver reads thus; “U.S. / SPRINGFIELD / ARMOURY /MODEL 1903 / 851519”  It has one gas escape hole on the RHS.  The action, the barrel, floor plate, trigger guard and all other componnets including the butt smooth steel plate have all turned to a pleasing plumb-brown finish.  There is a small amount of slight silver-greying of colour and a little light pitting over the receiver bridge, but this does not detract from the weapon.

The rear sight is mounted on a barrel collar which has the early lightening dished sections. All the other milled components show small inspectors proofmarks and a similar patina.  The stock is in good condition and looks to have had some active use, but, there are no splits in either the hand guard or the stock. It is made of American Walnut with a attractive dark fleck to the grain, and a good polished finish over the surface.  This has only been improved by the passing of time.  The magazine floor plate and trigger guard have quite a deep tone to their plum brown finish.  The final inspection circled “P” is behind the trigger guard in the usual place.

The rifle has the two sling swivels and a stacking band on the underneath of the nose cap.  The steel butt plate has a trap for the storage of the cleaning kit but the kit is AF.  The rifles bore is good with strong clean rifling.  The action works well as does the safety and the magazine cutt-off.

An interesting rifle that would not look out of place in any high grade collection.

£1250.00

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