M1903 follower tool?

[Rick the Librarian]

Had a gentleman come up to me when I had my Rock Island display at the gunshow and show me a tool that he said he had heard was a follower tool. Below is a couple of pictures. Any idea if that is what it is and approximate value?

TIA

[JimF]

Looks to me like it would hold the follower depressed so that the bolt can be closed on the empty magazine rapidly (as in doing the old "manual of arms").

Sorta' like using a coin in the M1917 "Enfield". --Jim

[m1903rifle]

That's what the cut-off is for.

[John Beard]

The "tool" appears to be an M1903 follower gage. In the early days of the 20th century, machine shops like Springfield Armory used gages like the device pictured to check and verify critical part dimensions. The gages were made in the toolroom. One can only guess at the critical follower dimensions which that particular gage verified. Once the dimensions were verified, the machinist stamped his subinspection mark into the part (if called for).

Hope this helps.

J.B.

[Rick the Librarian]

Yes, it does - thanks, John.

[wsfbernie]

Thank you, John. It reminds me of the tools I used in the old Emhart Russel and Erwin plant in Connecticut. Practically a work of art
in itself. Each one of these tools is like jewelry, hand made and of high quality. As you say, one can only wonder what part of the
follower operation this tool was involved in.