Pre-WW1 M1903 Eye Candy

[03Rifleman]

The upper band bayonet lug is not conclusively marked with an "H". In addition, I am not aware of documentation affixing the precise date for implementation of bayonet lug hardening.

J.B.

I respectfully disagree, the upper band on the rifle in question does appear to me to be marked with a small "H". With "precise date of implementation" aside and if the upper bbl band is indeed hardened and marked, would you consider it to be "period correct" for the rifle?

[John Beard]

I respectfully disagree, the upper band on the rifle in question does appear to me to be marked with a small "H". With "precise date of implementation" aside and if the upper bbl band is indeed hardened and marked, would you consider it to be "period correct" for the rifle?

I stand corrected. I enlarged the upper band photo and the bayonet lug is indeed marked with a very tiny "H". The "H" is considerably smaller than the "H" which appears on later rifles and perhaps may be an experimental or very early marking. Nevertheless, I still consider the upper band to be original to the rifle.

J.B.

[Fred]

Ok, what would you guys say that this rifle would be worth on the collectors market?
Thanks.

John Beard, I tried to send you a PM on this but your box is full

[Fred]

By the lack of a response, I'd guess that there are some of you who are interested in bidding on it. That's cool. I have a good idea what this rifle is worth anyway.

[John Beard]

Ok, what would you guys say that this rifle would be worth on the collectors market?
Thanks.

John Beard, I tried to send you a PM on this but your box is full

An analysis of the bid history shows that the last serious bidder dropped out at $1500. And therein lies a clue!

My Inbox has now been cleaned out some.

J.B.

[Fred]

Message sent to you John

[bobgar]

This question is regarding the cartouche JFC. Is this the same person JFC whose cartouche is the square box cartouche with SA over the JFC?

[Rick the Librarian]

Yes, J.F. Coyle.

[bobgar]

Rick, do you know dates of employment for JF Coyle and/or when he served as an inspector. Bob

[Rick the Librarian]

Not specifically, but I know his stamp appeared on rebuilt Krags and very early M1903s (in script). I would guess he worked at Springfield until at least the mid- to late-1930s.

[Fred]

Well it's $3,320.00 and it appears that the escalating bids will keep going up. So, if the last and top bidder in an auction happens to be a shill, do the auction rules allow him to pull his bid so that the next bidder down be given the auction? I'm going to be watching this one.

[Weasel]

Now at $3520.00 and we have lift off. The sky is the limit.

[John Beard]

I am pleased to see that the rifle fetched somewhere near its real value based on previous market conditions. Perhaps the trend will continue.

J.B.

[Weasel]

$3820.00, Sold.

[rayg]

Well it's $3,320.00 and it appears that the escalating bids will keep going up. So, if the last and top bidder in an auction happens to be a shill, do the auction rules allow him to pull his bid so that the next bidder down be given the auction? I'm going to be watching this one.

Fred you can't own them all, Ray