December 13-15, 2022 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/15/2022
Model 1903 bolt action rifle manufactured by the Rock Island arsenal in 1912. This example is stamped "U.S. / ROCK ISLAND / ARSENAL. / MODEL 1903." above the serial number, over the chamber. Barrel is stamped "RIA / (Flaming ordnance bomb) / 8-12", indicating manufacture in August of 1912, with "K 5/ P" present on the underside. Left side of stock exhibits a "CN/ 1912" cartouche, indicating inspection by Conrad Nelson, who came to Rock Island Arsenal in 1904 from Springfield Armory and remained at RIA until 1918. Underside of stock wrist is stamped with a script encircled "P". Ladder rear sight with dished adjustment knobs and graduations to 2700 yards. Other features include a high hump concave upper handguard, front sight cover, checkered buttplate with trapdoor, milled rear barrel band, and proper unmarked milled bayonet lug. CONDITION: Metal components retain traces of their original factory blue finish, exhibiting gray patina overall, with some scattered areas of brown and dark gray patina present, and a few spots of inactive oxidation. Stampings are sharp, with some of the wood cartouches slightly worn. Excellent bore, retaining well defined lands and grooves throughout. Stock shows scattered marks and some impressions, but is otherwise very good. An extremely rare example of an original Pre-World War I 1903 bolt action rifle produced at Rock Island Arsenal. MLW
Caliber/Bore
.30-06 Springfield
Manufacturer
Rock Island Arsenal