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U.S. Springfield Model 1903 Mark I Bolt Action Rifle with Rare Model
1918 Mark I Pedersen Device, Pedersen Ammunition and Accessories -
Serial no. 1113601, 30-06 Springfield cal., 24 inch round bbl., parkerized/black finish, walnut stock.
This U.S. Springfield M1903 Mark I rifle is accompanied by a rare and highly desirable example of a Pedersen Device with one 40-round
magazine, three “R.I.A./1919” marked tan canvas Pedersen Device magazine pouches, “R.I.A./1919” marked tan canvas rifle bolt carrier, “L.C.C. & CO. 9-18”
marked tan canvas 10-pouch rifle cartridge belt, Pedersen Device tool, and one full 200-round box of rare .30-18 Pedersen ammunition. The Pedersen Device consists of an
‘automatic bolt’ with 40-round magazine which when fitted in place of the standard rifle bolt of the Springfield M1903 Mark I rifle, allows the rifle to fire semi-automatically. The Pedersen
Device was developed secretly and designated the “Automatic Pistol, Caliber .30 Model 1918” with the intent of introducing it on the Western Front for the planned allied spring 1919 offensive,
which did not end up occurring. The Ordnance Department initially issued procurement orders to Remington for 133,450 Mark I Pedersen Devices, but the contract was canceled due to the end of the
war, after production of approximately 65,000 Pedersen Devices, 1,600,000 magazines and 65,000,000 cartridges. Springfield Armory continued to manufacture a reported 101,775 M1903 Mark I rifles. The Mark I rifles and
Pedersen Devices were placed in storage until 1931 when a decision was made to destroy the devices and ammunition. Army records show that 64,873 Pedersen Devices and 60 million rounds of ammunition were destroyed
in April 1931. The Mark I rifles had the special sears and magazine cut-offs removed and were over-hauled. Very few complete Pedersen Devices and magazines escaped destruction, making complete Pedersen Devices
with magazines among the rarest and most desirable M1903 accessories. The left of the Pedersen Device cocking piece is marked “U.S.A. 1918-MARK I/44301” in two lines and “REMINGTON-BRIDGEPORT/PEDERSEN’S PAT’S.
PENDING” on the right. The M1903 Mark I rifle has the special receiver with oval ejection port, correct Pedersen magazine cut-off (reference page 155 of Brophy’s book “The Springfield 1903 Rifles”) and correct
Pedersen trigger sear. The World War II era replacement 03-A3 type stock has an added indentation below the oval receiver ejection port, “FJA” and “RA” stamps and a faint
crossed ordnance cannons cartouche stamped on the left stock wrist and circled serif “P” proof behind the trigger guard. The receiver is roll-stamped with the “MARK I”
designation, with a “SA/(flaming bomb)/6-18” marked barrel. Also includes a 1918 dated brown leather M1907 sling.
CONDITION: The M1903 Mark I rifle is very fine, retains 85% original parkerized finish and 80% original black finish on the receiver, with crisp markings in the metal. The later
production replacement stock is fine as lightly sanded and re-oiled with some light scratches and dents, a chip at the toe, and defined edges. The rifle functions fine with its
standard bolt, the Pedersen Device needs mechanical work as it does not properly cock but retains spring pressure. The Pedersen Device is otherwise very fine, retains 95%
parkerized finish. The included accessories are all very fine. This is a very desirable example of a rare Mark I Pedersen Device with an equally rare 40-round magazine
fitted in a Mark I rifle, with accessories. The Pedersen Device is one of the most desirable and elusive of all U.S. military arms accessories, and would be a significant
addition to any advanced collection of M1903 rifles or U.S. military firearms.
Estimate: 22,500 - 35,000