Rock Island cartouche?

[Fred]

Is this a Rock Island cartouche (L) for a rifle made in July of 1918? Also, did all Rock Island stocks from Mid 1918 have an RI stamped on the for end tip?

http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee392/acme_armament/0%20Rifles/1903/PA120232_zps12c84c1d.jpg (http://s1225.photobucket.com/user/acme_armament/media/0%20Rifles/1903/PA120232_zps12c84c1d.jpg.html)

http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee392/acme_armament/0%20Rifles/1903/PA120230_zps1bb331a7.jpg (http://s1225.photobucket.com/user/acme_armament/media/0%20Rifles/1903/PA120230_zps1bb331a7.jpg.html)

[Rick the Librarian]

Rock Island did use a single letter as an inspection stamp on some of their WWI stocks, but that looks like a different design. I will defer to John Beard or someone else on this.

"RI" was stamped on the foretip of all Rock Island stocks, beginning with the first M1903s manufactured in early 1917, after production started up again. It should appear on ALL original RIAs 238,000 and higher.

Another thing to look for is the proof stamp. All Rock Island M1903s had a "script" P while Springfield used a "block" P (both encircled) during this period.

What's the serial number?

[Fred]

I was thinking about buying it Rick. The stock and hand guard have been together for quite some time from the one scar that I can see crossing them both. The wood hasn't been sanded or worn down yet. I'd say that it was a period replacement stock but the presence of a circle P (Springfield proofed) wouldn't be there would it? The sight knobs are correct as is the type of bolt, but I have no knowledge of what stamps are on the bolt, or even if it's Rock Island or Springfield. It has nice wood. I want to buy it and just wanted to get your and John's opinion on it first. Here are the photo's that the seller has sent me.

http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee392/acme_armament/0%20Rifles/1903/PA120228_zps78089e97.jpg (http://s1225.photobucket.com/user/acme_armament/media/0%20Rifles/1903/PA120228_zps78089e97.jpg.html)

http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee392/acme_armament/0%20Rifles/1903/PA120227_zps5498898a.jpg (http://s1225.photobucket.com/user/acme_armament/media/0%20Rifles/1903/PA120227_zps5498898a.jpg.html)

http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee392/acme_armament/0%20Rifles/1903/PA120229_zps355c8728.jpg (http://s1225.photobucket.com/user/acme_armament/media/0%20Rifles/1903/PA120229_zps355c8728.jpg.html)



http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee392/acme_armament/0%20Rifles/1903/PA120231_zpsb0d3a821.jpg (http://s1225.photobucket.com/user/acme_armament/media/0%20Rifles/1903/PA120231_zpsb0d3a821.jpg.html)

http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee392/acme_armament/0%20Rifles/1903/PA120234_zpsd12fc8aa.jpg (http://s1225.photobucket.com/user/acme_armament/media/0%20Rifles/1903/PA120234_zpsd12fc8aa.jpg.html)

http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee392/acme_armament/0%20Rifles/1903/PA120236_zps2d680d31.jpg (http://s1225.photobucket.com/user/acme_armament/media/0%20Rifles/1903/PA120236_zps2d680d31.jpg.html)

http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee392/acme_armament/0%20Rifles/1903/PA120237_zpscc70cd4f.jpg (http://s1225.photobucket.com/user/acme_armament/media/0%20Rifles/1903/PA120237_zpscc70cd4f.jpg.html)

http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee392/acme_armament/0%20Rifles/1903/PA120238_zps5109b54b.jpg (http://s1225.photobucket.com/user/acme_armament/media/0%20Rifles/1903/PA120238_zps5109b54b.jpg.html)

http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee392/acme_armament/0%20Rifles/1903/PA120239_zpsd7e9dd94.jpg (http://s1225.photobucket.com/user/acme_armament/media/0%20Rifles/1903/PA120239_zpsd7e9dd94.jpg.html)

[Fred]

http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee392/acme_armament/0%20Rifles/1903/PA120226_zps9224ecdc.jpg (http://s1225.photobucket.com/user/acme_armament/media/0%20Rifles/1903/PA120226_zps9224ecdc.jpg.html)

http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee392/acme_armament/0%20Rifles/1903/PA120235_zps7e9f6113.jpg (http://s1225.photobucket.com/user/acme_armament/media/0%20Rifles/1903/PA120235_zps7e9f6113.jpg.html)

[Rick the Librarian]

RIA bolts are usually marked on the front of the safety lug, although one had an NS on the bottom of the safety lug, IIRC. Take a look at JB's bolt markings charts on ViShooter's website.

The stock is almost definitely a Springfield. The barrel and receiver appear to have been refinished, but again, I'll defer to John.

[John Beard]

The rifle you've found is a very interesting collection of parts.

Rock Island did indeed use single-letter inspection stamps, but mostly during 1917. Springfield Armory also used single-letter inspection stamps, but mostly during 1918. The encircled block "P" proof mark is a Springfield Armory proof mark and definitely not Rock Island. But, I cannot rule out the possibility that the stock may have been made at Rock Island.

The barrel and receiver are an original combination and the rifle is probably double heat treated.

Most parts on the rifle appear to be Rock Island parts. But, some are Springfield Armory parts. The front sight movable stud is a replacement.

In summary, the rifle does not appear to be entirely original. But, it's an interesting collection of parts.

Hope this helps.

J.B.

[Fred]

John Beard, PM sent. Fred