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The “ON” side of the cocking piece is polished bright. The straight grain,
black walnut stock and forearm are oil finished. The receiver is roll-
stamped “U.S./SPRINGFIELD/ARMORY,/ MODEL 1903,/6475” using the first
style, small, serif letters. The markings on the magazine cutoff and safety lever have serif markings. The left side of the stock behind the magazine cut-off recess is stamped with the Ordnance final inspection mark consisting of the script initials “JSA” (J. Sumnar Adams) above the date “1904” surrounded by a rectangle with flattened corners. An encircled script “P” proof mark beneath “27” is stamped on the underside of the stock wrist behind the trigger guard. The butt-trap contains a nickel-plated oiler with early style thong and brush. The rifle includes the distinctive blue finished steel front sight cover issued only with M1903 rod bayonet rifles.
CONDITION: Excellent plus, nearly as issued, retains 97% plus original blue finish with some very light finish wear at the edge of the front sight from use of the sight cover, blue flaking on the
lower barrel band showing some light corrosion, and a few light handling marks. 95% original oil-quenched casehardened finish remains, with light wear on the knob of the bolt handle. The body of the bolt remains bright, with 99% attractive fiery niter blue finish on the extractor and vivid original case colors showing on the safety lever. The stock and hand guard are also both
in excellent condition, retaining a beautiful matching medium brown color overall, some light marring ahead of the middle barrel band, with otherwise minimal handling evidence, distinct grasping grooves and crisp stampings (the “JSA” cartouche has been professionally enhanced). Mechanically excellent. This is one of the top few finest U.S. Springfield Model 1903 rod bayonet rifles that we have ever had the privilege to offer for sale. The superb condition and originality of this rifle is impeccable and would be near impossible to improve upon or upgrade! Certainly for the discriminating, high end collector that wants an early extraordinary U.S. Springfield Model 1903 ramrod bayonet rifle for their collection.
Estimate: 27,500 - 42,500