3493

Early Production U.S. Springfield Model 1903 Rifle with Arsenal 1906 Modifications

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,000.00 USD Estimated At:2,000.00 - 3,000.00 USD
Early Production U.S. Springfield Model 1903 Rifle with Arsenal 1906 Modifications
This Springfield Model 1903 rifle was manufactured in 1903 as a Rod Bayonet rifle and subsequently modified by Springfield Armory to the 1906 configuration. The rifle has the second style stock with one reinforcing bolt, a tapered edge near the right side of the receiver ring and a smooth buttplate. The rifle has the early pattern handguard with no sight clearance cut or spring clips. The rear sight has the 2850 yard center notch and small (7/16-inch) windage knob. The circumference of both the windage and elevation knob are grooved. The early style trigger is smooth. The bolt has a straight handle and the markings on the safety lever and magazine cut-off have Roman (serifed) letters. The receiver is roll-stamped: "U.S./SPRINGFIELD/ARMORY/Model 1903/22444" in five lines with the small letter markings. The barrel is stamped: "SA/ 'Ordnance Shell and Flame'/05/A" behind the rear sight. The left side of the stock is stamped with a the Ordnance final inspector's block initials "J.F.A." in a rectangle. An encircled, script, "P" proof mark is stamped on the underside of the stock behind the trigger guard finial. The rifle is complete with a WWI issue Model 1907 russet leather sling, an oiler in the butt trap and a WWII front sight cover.
BBL: 24 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 30 06
Finish: casehardened/blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 22444


Very fine. The rifle retains 60% of the original blue and case-hardened finish. The markings on the barrel and receiver are sharp. The bore is bright. The stock is in very fine condition with sharp edges on the grasping grooves and clear inspection and proof marks. The sling is solid and in very good condition. This is a very good, substantially original, example of an armory-modified M1903 Rod Bayonet. These early Model 1903 rifles are difficult to find in original condition; most of these rifles saw extensive service thru WWI and were overhauled or scrapped after the end of the war.