November 18, 2020 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/18/2020
Rare U.S. Model 1903 Springfield bolt action magazine rifle obtained by Robert M. Gardiner to demonstrate his U.S. Patent 911683 for a "Breech Loading Safety Gun". Device was initially designed by fellow U.S. Citizen residing in Canada, Orlando Scott, but the patent was assigned to Robert M. Gardiner on February 9, 1909. Originally this gun was a U.S. Model 1903 Springfield bolt action rifle made at Springfield Armory in 1905. Rifle has "SA" marked barrel with "Flaming Bomb" cartouche and "05" date. Banded pinned blade front sight with rear sight graduated for use with 30-03 cartridge. Blued action with blued bolt. Milled triggerguard and smooth trapdoor buttplate . Walnut finger groove "S" stock with "Humped" rear handguard. Gun was then modified by Scott and Gardiner with the addition of grasping grooves where the original finger grooves were to operate the rod connected to the sear assembly without which the gun could neither be fired or cocked. Further modification included the opening of a window in the stock where the inspector's mark was so that device could seen in action. Gardiner then removed wood from left side and placed device name and patent date, possibly hoping to sell the device to the military. A truly unique piece. PROVENANCE: Comes with letter from archivist Andrew Stolinski giving details of this rifle. CONDITION: 50% original metal finish with balance worn to a silvery patina. Wood has traces of original finish with small crack and chips above added grasping grooves. Bore has visible but worn rifling and gun has crisp mechanics. A neat piece of innovation. DLM
Item Dimensions: 44"