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LOT 3391
Exceptional and Highly Desirable World War I Era U.S. Springfield Model 1903 Bolt Action
Sniper Rifle with Warner & Swasey Telescopic
Sight - Serial no. 619182, 30-06 Springfield cal., 24
inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut
stock. This U.S. Springfield Model 1903 rifle was
manufactured in 1916, a year prior to U.S. entry
into World War I, and equipped with a Model
1913 Warner & Swasey telescopic sight (scope).
Springfield Armory records indicate that some 3,014
Model 1903 rifles had been fitted with Model 1913
musket sights between 1913 and 1918. Recorded
serial numbers ranged from 577,890 to 936,527
according to author Bruce N. Canfield in his book,
“U.S. Military Bolt Action Rifles” on page 221. Model 1903 sniper rifles with these Model 1913 Warner
& Swasey Musket Sights were used by the U.S. Army on the Mexican Punitive Expedition in 1916, and
in France by the American Expeditionary Force between 1917-1918. These rifles are significant as the
first standard U.S. military issued sniper rifle with a telescopic sight. The left side of the receiver is fitted
with the original Warner & Swasey mounting bracket secured by three screws. The bracket screws
are flush with the inside of the receiver and are staked in place. The Warner & Swasey telescopic sight
is complete with the a rubber eyepiece. The left side of the telescopic sight body is roll-stamped:
“TELESCOPIC MUSKET SIGHT/MODEL OF 1913 No.2642/THE WARNER & SWASEY CO.” above the two-line
address and patent dates. The inside of the telescopic sight mount dovetail is stamped: “FOR RIFLE NO.
690554”. The marking has been stamped with a fixture and the letters and numbers are neatly aligned
and have uniform depth. “SA/(flaming bomb)/1-16” marked barrel. Hooded blade front sight and ladder
rear sight with a 2,850 yard center volley notch, correct bright top surface, and windage and elevation
knobs with dished faces. The oil-finished, black walnut, “S” type, stock has grasping grooves and a single
reinforcing bolt, with a boxed “J.S.A.” inspection cartouche stamped on the left of the wrist, an encircled
script “P” proof stamp on bottom behind the trigger guard, and a “high hump” handguard with the sight
clearance cut. A small label sticker with inventory number “288” is on top of the buttplate.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 75% original blue finish, 75% original oil-quenched
casehardened finish on the receiver, vivid patterns of original case colors showing on the safety lever
and cut-off, with smooth gray and brown patina on the balance, bright top surface on the rear sight,
and sharp markings and edges in the metal overall. Stock is very fine, with attractive grain, some light
scratches and handling marks, absolutely distinct edges overall, and a crisp cartouche. Mechanically
excellent. The telescopic sight is very fine, retains 90% original black painted finish, with viewable clear
optics having a yellow tint, a crisp reticle, modern rubber eye piece, and functional adjustment knobs.
This exceptional World War I era U.S. Springfield Model 1903 sniper rifle would make a very fine addition
to any military arms collection!
Estimate: 9,500 - 16,000
Springfield Armory records indicate
that 3,014 Model 1903 rifles were
fitted with Model 1913 musket
sights between 1913 and 1918.
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