March 1-2, 2018 Firearms, Militaria & Sporting
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/1/2018
In reading the fine article by William R. Hansen in the September 2016 magazine entitled "U.S. Martial Arms Collector" published by Martial Arms expert Wayne Gagner, he writes, "...after rare, what comes next?" This is a fair question given the survival rate of original and unaltered Model 1922 heavy barrel match rifles can be counted on one hand. It is estimated that the vast majority of these rare match rifles were later altered to the type "T" variation. This rifle by serial number is listed in this fine article as example No. 1 and places this rifle as having been assigned to Captain James F. Laughlin, a top rated marksman on the 1922 Massachusetts National Guard team. The right side of the stock is stamped, "Mass. Rifle Team". Captain Laughlin made the international shooting team in 1923 scoring an incredible 248/250. These rifles are instantly recognizable to the knowledgeable collector by the following special features. Springfield Armory first assembled new and distinctively American heavy barrel rifles for the 1921 International Rifle Team held in Leon, France. The original drawing for this rifle can be found on page 106 in William Brophy's book titled "The Springfield 1903 Rifles". The front sight base is integral to the barrel and does not have the typical band. The scope blocks are factory mounted with no provision for rear sight and spaced 5-3/4" on center using standard AO blocks. The 1917 Enfield front barrel band to allow for the large diameter barrel. Features the NRA style pistol grip, two bolt, walnut sporter stock with wide finger grooves. Has the short stem Lyman 48 receiver sight and swept bolt stamped "WL3". Non serif safety. Left side of stock has the deep "D.A.L." in rectangle for Springfield Armory production 1918 - 1942. Wrist has block letter "P" in circle. Sling swivel on toe of stock. Has the Type 7 stamped, cupped steel buttplate. Rifle is in excellent all original untouched condition. The receiver remains the majority of the original factory high polish commercial type blue finish. The barrel retains 85% original factory rust blue, thinning from age. Stock is excellent with a few minor storage dings and a few bumps at the left side of forend. It is equipped with special order, adjustable double set triggers. Bore has an ME reading of 0 and a TE reading of 7. Bolt is polished in the white. Rifle is accompanied by a copy of the U.S. Martial Arms Collector magazine that features an article on this exact rifle. Also comes with a photocopy of Captain Laughlin's shooting score from 1923 from the American Rifleman with a picture of Laughlin that appears to be him holding this exact rifle. According to the article all of the known examples are serial numbered from 124,349 to 124,889 with nine listed known examples that have been identified to date. Long referred to by knowledgeable Springfield collectors as the "ghost rifles" as they are often talked about but never seen. This may be a once in a lifetime chance to add what is arguably the rarest U.S. Springfield Model to your collection. Includes a Springfield research letter. Comes with factory letter.