Mark I

[Rick the Librarian]

Unfortunately, I cannot read most of the scans from the resources you offer. I am assuming from Jesse Harrison's book? If so, they are incorrect. If you check C.S. Ferris' "Rock Island Rifle Model of 1903", you'll see that Krack was placed in charge of small arms inspection at RIA in late 1941. Ferris researched Krack's career and he was not even employed in government service during at least part of the period mentioned in your scans. When he was, he had other duties.

I stand by what I stated earlier.

[John Beard]

The only thing I am not sure about is the RIA stamp on the original WES cartouche. Usually means a rework of some kind but is not obvious as to what that might have entailed.

I am skeptical that your rifle is fitted with an original Mark I stock. And the RIA/FK inspection stamp reinforces my skepticism. Nevertheless, you have a splendid Mark I rifle!

J.B.

[Kragrifle]

Hi John and Rick
Interesting information about Frank Krack. The chart I was trying to show was from Brophy's book. As for the stock, I have another Mark I and have been looking for another for years. If you study the wood around the ejection port carefully you will see the chatter marks from where the cutter created the recess. This area can be cut with a file to look like the correct cut out but never to duplicate it. I am sure about the stock. The only question I had was the RIA over FK over stamp. I suppose Krack cleaned and repaired the rifle during his tenure.

[Kragrifle]

My information has WES inspecting in the 1918-1920 time period so if correct this would fit with the Mark I barrel dates of 1919 and 1920.

[Rick the Librarian]

Although Brophy is still seen as the "yardstick" book in many cases, keep in mind it has been over 30 years since his book was written and some of the information has proven to be incorrect or obsolete.

W.E. Strong (WES) also inspected during an earlier period. I have a 78180 numbered M1903, original in every way, that has WES and I have seen a few other early M1903s with his inspection stamp, as well. Although I would defer to John in this (as in most others) matter, I would agree a WES is probably correct for a Mark I.

[John Beard]

Does your rifle's stock have a small "s" stamped on the fore end tip? Please oblige us with a picture.

Thanks!

J.B.

[Kragrifle]

Nothing on fore end tip

[Kragrifle]

IMG_4296.jpg

[John Beard]

Thanks for the picture!

J.B.

[Kragrifle]

John
Would appreciate your thoughts.

[jerrbear]

Is the tip on a Mark I stock supposed to marked on the tip in some way?

[John Beard]

Is the tip on a Mark I stock supposed to marked on the tip in some way?

No.

J.B.

[John Beard]

John
Would appreciate your thoughts.

Your rifle's stock exhibits a number of characteristics which are not common with Mark I stocks. I am unable to identify your stock and, therefore, cannot conclusively question its authenticity.

J.B.