Is the WES Stamping real or not?

[1mark]

I pretty sure the on cartouche is real but is the WES real?

[Fred]

What does the rest of the rifle look like? What features and serial number?

[1mark]

The serial number is 650,000 range, with a 1915 dated SA barrel.

[Rick the Librarian]

If you are asking if there really was a WES, the answer is "yes". It was originally though to be WWI-era, but it has been seen on some earlier M1903s. Just for curiosity, is the left side of the stock a "straight-wall" stock?

[1mark]

No the left is not a straight wall. I was asking if the WES stamp its self is correct.

[Rick the Librarian]

I admit I have not seen a WES mark on top of an earlier inspection stamp, but the WES inspection stamp itself appears legitimate.

[John Beard]

I concur with Rick the Librarian. The "W.E.S." stamp appears real. But it's an overhaul inspection stamp.

Hope this helps.

J.B.

[Rick the Librarian]

I've never seen a WES stamp used as an overhaul stamp - as Mr. Spock (the Vulcan, not the child psychologist) would say, "Interesting".

[Johnny P]

For a brief period in 1916 William E Strong served as the provisional inspector at Colt while Frank Hosmer was temporarily assigned to San Antonio Arsenal. An S replaced the provisional inspection mark H during that time.

[1mark]

Thank you all. This is an interesting one. Any idea of the inspector stamp under the WES and what is the M for?

[Kragrifle]

CV script- Charlie Valentine. He also shows up as block CCV.

[John Beard]

Thank you all. This is an interesting one. Any idea of the inspector stamp under the WES and what is the M for?

The "M" is believed to be an alteration re-inspection stamp. The stock was on a rifle that was turned in for alteration to .30-'06 caliber.

J.B.

[Kragrifle]

I have a Hoffer Thompson rifle with a serial number 314575. It has a 1920 barrel, so has been reworked. The stock cartouches have puzzled me. There is an 1899 dated Krag cartouche overstamped with WES. There is a C in the same place as the rifle under discussion's M. There is also an eagle head just below the C. I have seen many faked cartouches and believe these are legitimate. I would post a photo if I can figure out how, but Mr. Beard, I would love to have your opinion on this stock as it fascinates me. I could send the photo in an email to you if acceptable to you. BTW, there is a firing proof on the stock, so I suspect this was originally a 30 caliber weapon.

[John Beard]

I have a Hoffer Thompson rifle with a serial number 314575. It has a 1920 barrel, so has been reworked. The stock cartouches have puzzled me. There is an 1899 dated Krag cartouche overstamped with WES. There is a C in the same place as the rifle under discussion's M. There is also an eagle head just below the C. I have seen many faked cartouches and believe these are legitimate. I would post a photo if I can figure out how, but Mr. Beard, I would love to have your opinion on this stock as it fascinates me. I could send the photo in an email to you if acceptable to you. BTW, there is a firing proof on the stock, so I suspect this was originally a 30 caliber weapon.

Your description suggests that your stock is a veritable "billboard" of inspection stamps. I have seen stocks like that and always find them fascinating. You can email pictures to knology dot net at jvbeard, reversing the order and using the appropriate symbols.

Thanks!

J.B.

[Kragrifle]

Photos sent