Will someone please explain what all of these stampings are for?

[Fred]

Are these stampings British or what?

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=377139763

[Roadkingtrax]

Yes, British import stamps I believe...as into England. It is actually a nitro proof load mark.

Etching is weird on the bolt, and the star mark doesn't appear original.

[Fred]

Thanks Roadking. I thought that they seemed British and of course the Nitro proof stamp stood out. Well, I guess then that the rifle was Lend Lease! Interesting.

[John Beard]

The markings are British export proof marks. Sometime in the first half of the 20th century, the British passed a law requiring that all arms EXPORTED from Britain had to be proof tested, regardless of manufacturer or origin. This requirement even applied to arms that were merely passing through Britain, as in import/export dealers. So, the rifle in question may be a lend/lease rifle, or it may be a rifle that originated from elsewhere and merely passed through Britain on its way here.

For what it's worth. Hope this helps.

J.B.

[Fred]

Most interesting. Thanks John.

[chuckindenver]

nice rifle...bogus bolt...NZ or English..crispy...bet the bolt was lost along the way someplace.

[m1903rifle]

Chuck,
Are you saying that the W L/3 is incorrect or just the engraved serial number?It would appear that it is some ones attempt at "creating" a National Match. The "star" is definitely bogus.

[1mark]

The serial number looks like it was placed on the bolt with a tracing machine. The number are just perfect. The bolts I have seen the s/n has placed on them by hand and they are not that neat.

[Rick the Librarian]

I agree - totally bogus serial number on the bolt. I admit I've never seen one like THAT before!

I agree with John - these markings on the FRSB are often mistaken for "import" marks or "Lend Lease" markings - they are neither.

[John Beard]

I was advised that the serial number on the bolt was laser-engraved. If so, then that would place the serial numbering in a much later time frame.

In any event, it is certainly the correct bolt for the rifle and very probably the original bolt. And the star gauge mark appears authentic.

J.B.

[Rick the Librarian]

I was advised that the serial number on the bolt was laser-engraved. If so, then that would place the serial numbering in a much later time frame.

J.B.

John, you just haven't read your history ... John Garand was engaged in secret laser technology research at Springfield Armory and used several '03s as part of his experiments!! :D

[John Beard]

John, you just haven't read your history ... John Garand was engaged in secret laser technology research at Springfield Armory and used several '03s as part of his experiments!! :D

You were supposed to keep that information confidential!!!! Now you've gone and disclosed it to the world and exposed our little secret!

J.B.

[Rick the Librarian]

Oh, I feel SOOOOO bad!! Can't you tell??? :D

[1mark]

Rick is correct. The W L 3 stands for What a Laser 3rd generation.

[Rick the Librarian]

Rick is correct. The W L 3 stands for What a Laser 3rd generation.

WHAT?? You know, too??:eek:

[Kurt]

You can always tell when Rick picks up another gun, he busts out a six pack of Hoppes #9 and next thing you know they were lasering serial numbers on bolts.