April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/25/2019
This early five digit Springfield was originally built in the .30-03 caliber and the A stamped on barrel indicates that it was altered in 1906 to fire the new .30-06 cartridge and have the new 2700 yard sight added. Otherwise, gun is untouched and all original. It was indicated that the barrel sights have been checked to ensure that they were suitable for use with the 1906 cartridge, which graduated out to 2700 yards. This rifle has all early parts including early high hump flat top handguard with no sight groove. Has original front sight with hood. Stock features the early wide finger groove, left side is early style straight stock, no stock bolts. Left side of wrist has cartouche in rectangle, ELH, for Edgar L. Hathaway, who is noted as an inspector for Springfield Model 1903s with the block letter stamp circa 1907. The 2700 yard sight features the dished and knurled knobs. Has the early straight bolt. Smooth buttplate with trapdoor. All milled parts. Early split sling swivels. Has a cursive P proof stamp on bottom of wrist, visible but light. Has an ME reading of 2 and a TE reading of 1. CONDITION: All metal appears to be a homogeneous matte blue mixed with brown patina overall. Stock is excellent with traditional deep, dark, rich oil finish with a few slight mars. A far above average all original as factory updated in 1906. These all original early Springfields are getting extremely difficult to locate as most were rebuilt several times and earlier parts were discarded.