A few questions for the resident experts...

[TDP0311]

I came across a 1903 the other day with the serial number on the bolt handle, not on the bolt body like the Marines were known to do... whats the word on that?

Also, I found a Mk 1 with a punch mark before the serial number. I was under the impression that the army was the only ones in possession of Mk 1s, and that the Marines were the ones to make the punch marks before the serial number. I'm guessing this just means the army would on occasion place punch marks before a serial during rebuilds as well?

Thanks gents

[TDP0311]

picture of aforementioned bolt...

[Promo]

That's a Greek bolt.

[John Beard]

I came across a 1903 the other day with the serial number on the bolt handle, not on the bolt body like the Marines were known to do... whats the word on that?

Also, I found a Mk 1 with a punch mark before the serial number. I was under the impression that the army was the only ones in possession of Mk 1s, and that the Marines were the ones to make the punch marks before the serial number. I'm guessing this just means the army would on occasion place punch marks before a serial during rebuilds as well?

Thanks gents

(1) CMP Greek Bolt.

(2) You guess incorrectly. The Army did not habitually place punch marks in front of serial numbers during overhaul. A few extraneous punch marks of undetermined origin, however, are known. At least one USMC Mark I rifle has been authenticated and the one you found is probably a second. But the USMC did not receive a general issue of Mark I rifles.

I will add that the USMC punch mark represents a very specific inspection that was done during overhaul and was not just a routine or general marking.

Hope this helps.

J.B.

[munkjeep]

I have a Mark 1 that has the Hatcher hole drilled into it like a USMC rifle .

[Rick the Librarian]

The Hatcher hole was also used by the Army and was sometimes installed during overhauls.

[TDP0311]

JB, what was the overhaul process that warranted the left of the serial punch?

This was the rifle I was referring to: http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=377354149

[Festus39]

Rifle appears to have an 03A3 trigger housing and an incorrect stock.

[John Beard]

JB, what was the overhaul process that warranted the left of the serial punch?

This was the rifle I was referring to: http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=377354149

The rifle in the auction had been brought to my attention several days ago. I'm inclined to believe that at least the receiver came from a USMC rifle. The rest of the rifle is an assortment of parts assembled, perhaps, by an importer or surplus arms merchant.

PM for the rest of the answer.

Hope this helps.

J.B.

[TDP0311]

J.B.- it says your inbox quota is full and cannot accept any more messages...

Tim

[John Beard]

J.B.- it says your inbox quota is full and cannot accept any more messages...

Tim

Fixed.

J.B.

[TDP0311]

Kinda surprised that the likely USMC Mk 1 receiver doesn't have a Hatcher Hole...

[John Beard]

Kinda surprised that the likely USMC Mk 1 receiver doesn't have a Hatcher Hole...

Of course it has a Hatcher Hole! A GREAT BIG ONE!!!

J.B.

[Devil Dog]

The oblong Hatcher Hole.

[TDP0311]

Haha very true! I saw a Mk 1 with a Hatcher Hole as well, so I was guessing they just drilled them anyway...