Remington M1903 New Zealand Marked 3005740

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I began collecting New Zealand marked No 4 L.E.s some time ago. I've been looking for a Remington 1903 that was New Zealand marked. I finally landed that bird. The below pictured rifle was purchased about a month ago. The barrel and internals were covered in cosomoline that was still moist. The outer areas were covered in a thin layer of dry cosmoline with no wax paper. A previous owner had cleaned the cosmoline from the receiver serial number, barrel date,and New Zealand stamp. It took some time to get the wood grain to show after cleaning. The stock has some handling marks so I think this layer of cosmoline was what was put on the rifle when it was stored the last time, but that is a guess. The rifle is in very good shape and like many New Zealand Remington's appears to have not been issues. Some were issued in the Pacific theater, but many were held in reserve. Enjoy the pics.IMG_1166.jpg

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The oiler I believe is the WW1 type when did the plastic oiler replace it.

Comments welcome

[psteinmayer]

Looks amazing! Being that I lived in Christchurch, NZ for a while, this is particularly interesting to me... as are all things Kiwi!

[Art]

Brophy doesn't give a date but only says that the plastic oiler and thong kit was a WWII expedient. The plastic kits never actually replaced the metal ones which were, to use a military ordnance term "used until expended." Finding stuff in the butt trap is always a plus and those oiler ant thong kits aren't cheap. One of the things the CMP does with every rifle is to check for butt trap accessories when the rifle is inspected.

[Rick the Librarian]

Nice rifle! Is there a number (with a "N Z") stamped on the buttstock? I think John Beard has a data base of them.

[p246]

Nice rifle! Is there a number (with a "N Z") stamped on the buttstock? I think John Beard has a data base of them.

Yes third to last picture it's 5187. Is it close the the one you have. All my other WWII N.Z guns are much higher than.

[p246]

Brophy doesn't give a date but only says that the plastic oiler and thong kit was a WWII expedient. The plastic kits never actually replaced the metal ones which were, to use a military ordnance term "used until expended." Finding stuff in the butt trap is always a plus and those oiler ant thong kits aren't cheap. One of the things the CMP does with every rifle is to check for butt trap accessories when the rifle is inspected.

Thanks for the oiler info Art. I knew the Plastic oiler was WW2 but couldn't remember if the metal one was discontinued. The stock surprise can only be described as AWESOME.