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LOT 348
Exceptionally Rare
Documented World War I Experimental Cameron-Yaggi Model 1903 Springfield Trench Rifle with Periscope Sighting Device and Display Stand - Serial no. 856016, 30-06 cal., 24 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened
finish, walnut stock. This is an exceptionally rare and highly sought after WWI era Cameron-Yaggi Trench Periscope sighting device that is fitted with an original
World War I Springfield Armory Model 1903 bolt action rifle. This specific device was originally developed as a joint venture by J.L. Cameron and L.E. Yaggi towards the end
of WWI to enable infantrymen to fire at the enemy while still safely hunkered down inside a trench. This design actually raised the rifle (and its line of sight) approximately two feet up and over a trench parapet, and allowed the infantryman to load and fire the rifle via a mechanical manipulation of the bolt and trigger. For sighting the rifle, it was equipped with a non-magnifying elbow periscope/optical
device, which is believed to have been specifically made for the Cameron-Yaggi. The rifle was fitted with a large steel bracket on the left side that has a dovetail in the middle, which allowed this periscope to be attached. It was separate from the actual rifle sights. These rifles were also equipped with a 25-shot magazine that allowed the rifleman to remain in position for sometime before reloading. This design still incorporated the standard leather sling so that the rifle (with the device still attached) could be carried on the infantryman’s shoulder. There were three different versions of “Trench Periscope” rifle devices developed during the later days of World War I; two different Cameron-Yaggi devices, the first model (as shown here) and a second later improved design and then a third model that was completely different from the Cameron-Yaggi design, designed by Guiberson. The Guiberson design used a specially designed Model 1903 stock that was “hinged” at the middle barrel band and used a set of reflecting mirrors to sight and fire the rifle. The rifle itself is a standard World War I model that has the standard Springfield