RLB or R L B......?

[ElWoodman]

What is the significance of The bowed RLB, and the spaced, unboxed R L B on Remington stocks? Did one come first? If so which......Thankyou in advance....

[Kragrifle]

Boxed RLB, then unboxed RLB then spread RLB (last two may be reversed). Maybe Frank Beard will step in here.

[Rick the Librarian]

I believe JB said that the boxed and unboxed RLB were close but I know the "spread" RLB (R L B) came last.

[John Beard]

The order of appearance was:

(1) Boxed RLB
(2) Unboxed spread R L B
(3) Unboxed RLB

Overlap exists.

J.B.

[Kragrifle]

John, my apologies !

[Rick the Librarian]

Interesting ...in my (admitted unscientific) observation of mid-ranged Remington M1903s, I usually see "spread" RLB stamps on later rifles than the other two.

[John Beard]

John, my apologies !

No apologies necessary.

J.B.

[CPC]

What are the respective serial ranges or expected dates?

[ElWoodman]

SN 3169935, 8/42 barrel.

[Rick the Librarian]

I'd say a "spread" RLB.

[Alkali]

FWIW, My Remington 1903 has an unboxed "RLB" that is neatly stamped, aligned, and closely spaced. Serial # is 3185260 and barrel date of 7-42. Beard says "overlap" exists which sounds likely. Maybe Remington had more than one worker using the RLB stamps ( pure conjecture on my part).

[Lee T.]

And another - SN 3223808 9-42 Unboxed RLB I suppose this would be considered an overlap into FJA territory as far as the stock goes, but I've had it for a long time - 1963. I've seen one or two other 10-42 RLB, but couldn't say if they were original.

[Rick the Librarian]

Usually, I thought FJA came in about 3,200,000 but with all the other "abnormalities" existing within Remington M1903s, I would be surprised a bit.

As I recall, Frank J. Atwood took over from Roy L. Bowlin about July, 1942, but, like with other markings there was certainly a time of "overlap.

[Kragrifle]

What about 3178222? Boxed RLB , no grasping grooves? Correct as original ?

[John Beard]

What about 3178222? Boxed RLB , no grasping grooves? Correct as original ?

A rifle not far from that serial number has been reliably reported with a boxed RLB. But the rifle is very much the exception and has not been authenticated.

J.B.