June 25-28, 2018 Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/25/2018
Possibly the finest example of the Springfield Model 1903 rod bayonet rifle ever to be offered for sale. Correct and original as issued in every respect. including but not limited too, first pattern full length unmarked blue finish .30-03 barrel with proper dual hole front sight assembly. First Model stacking swivel and solid middle band. First Model no-hump one piece hand guard. First Model 1903 rear sight with no updates or mods. Proper and correct 1903 stock with JSA 1903 cartouche. First pattern buttplate with small trap. First pattern polished bolt with fire blue extractor and first pattern cocking assembly and safety. For checking the original parts, Bill Brophy's book on Springfield 1903 Rifles would help out any collector to identify the parts. Excellent barrel retains 95% original blue comes with rod bayonet that is original to gun and retains nearly all of its original finish. Two barrel bands are stamped with a "U" on right side and appear 97-98% orig blue. Receiver is of the early and correct dark nitre type blue which indicates that the receiver was hardened and then blued. Receiver reads "US / SPRINGFIELD / ARMORY / MODEL 1903 / 16". Wood is of a straight grain American walnut with few scratches or impressions, no gouges and no splits. A very early Springfield rifle that would be the prize in any collection as it is unaltered. Bore is excellent with only a little frosting in the grooves near the muzzle, otherwise bright and shiny. Cocking mechanism is fine, as is all mechanics. From the Ray Bentley Collection.