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LOT 3458
U.S. Springfield Model 1903 National Match Bolt Action Rifle with Original Star Gauge Record, DCM Letter, Bayonet and Accessories - Serial no. 1230829, 30-06 Springfield cal., 24 inch round bbl., parkerized/blue finish, walnut stock. This U.S. Springfield Model 1903 National Match service rifle was originally manufactured in 1921. It is accompanied by its original star gauging record hangtag listing this rifle by serial number and a DCM letter with mailing envelope bearing a 1929 dated postage meter stamp and addressed to a Mr. Earl Robinson, in which the letter states “U.S. Rifle Model 1903 Serial No. 1230829 specially selected for the National matches was made at Rock Island Arsenal [sic] Illinois U.S.A. Caliber 30 Gov.-1906. These rifles were good for 4,000 shots in the National matches. Then the currency began to deminish [sic]. This one has fired 1,000 rounds. So should have 3,000 accurate shots left for competition.”These rifles had selected star gauged barrels, polished bolts, polished receiver runways and followers and incorporated most of the features found on the National Match rifles sold to the public from 1921-1928. This mid-1921 manufactured National Match rifle does not have the distinctive star gauge mark on the barrel muzzle which was adopted in late 1921, and has armory polishing marks on the bright polished bolt with distinctive armory feathered polishing marks above and below the safety lug and “WL/3” marked on the handle, receiver runways and the top of the follower polished to National Match specifications, and the Rock Island Arsenal cut-off with serifed letters and the “ON” side polished. The rifle has the distinctive black-green parkerized finish on the receiver, barrel, upper barrel band, trigger guard, floor plate, buttplate
and small components. The rear barrel band is blue finished. The rear sight face is bright. The stock has a fine checkered buttplate. The rear sight correctly lacks the 2,850 yard volley notch found on World War I production
rifles. The bolt has the post-World War I bent handle. The bolt body is correctly not serial numbered (National Match bolts were not serial numbered until around 1924). The safety lock thumb-piece has block letter markings. The trigger is serrated with a cross-hatched tip. The rifle receiver is roll-stamped “U.S./SPRINGFIELD/ARMORY/ MODEL 1903.” above the serial number. The barrel is marked “SA” above the Ordnance shell & flame insignia and the date “6-21”. The oil finished black walnut straight grip stock has two reinforcing bolts, grasping grooves and is fitted with the lower profile post-World War I handguard. The stock has the Ordnance final inspection cartouche with the initials “D.A.L.” in a rectangle on the left of the wrist, circled serifed “P” proof behind the trigger guard. Also includes a NRA firearms information service booklet for the M1903 Springfield rifle, “1920” dated M1905 bayonet, “1918” dated M1907 leather sling, muzzle cover, P.J. O’Hare rear sight cover,
and oiler in butt compartment.
CONDITION: Extremely fine, retains 90% plus original parkerized and blue finishes with scattered patches of dried grease and light surface freckling and some scratches around the front sight base. Bolt is in original polish that has toned slightly. The stock is fine as lightly arsenal sanded and re-oiled, with scattered light pitting on the buttplate, a few light handling marks and a crisp cartouche. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 3,000 - 4,500
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