Question on some stock markings

[Derrick R.]

I have a 1903 finger groove stock. It has a letter "B" in the cutoff. Is this for a certain year or maker ? Also is marked TEX on the lower part of the but stock. Could this be for the battleship Texas ? or did the navy mark more than just the ships name or partial name ? No other markings but a very small number 49 on the bottom of the wrist next to where the trigger guard is. There is a T inside the barrel channel where the sight is.
Will post pictures .

Derrick

[Rick the Librarian]

The B in the recess for the cutoff is an inspection stamp used during the manufacture process. Most of these are unknown. TEX may possibly stand for the battleship "Texas". I've seen "MISS" (possibly the battleship Mississippi) and other abbreviations show up.

[RCS]

stock markings

The stocks in these photos do appear to be USN ship markings. I have seen another HONOLULU (on this forum) both had the
DAL and SA SPG cartouches. The HONOLULU was painted red.

Another USS MISS stock and rifle was also posted on the forum (09-09-05)

The USS TENN was found on SA 825055 with a SA 3-18 bbl at a small gun show in GA some years ago, it came from the CMPdscn0754_0002.jpgdscn0731_0013.jpgP1010032_0028_028.jpg

[Derrick R.]

Here is a picture of the marking. Not trying to claim original just wanting to clarify so I dont get rid of something good.
Derrickst-1.jpg

[RCS]

I am not an expert on USN ship markings - but it would seem to me that a battleship stamp of Texas would have a more professional stamp or marking

[Derrick R.]

That would be my thoughts too. The X looks like it was scratched with a knife but the T and E almost have a old style of font look to them. Well seems that its another wish it was but not quite there stamping.
Its off in the sunset with TEX.
Thanks for the replys, Derrick

[Tdarmo]

Hi
I have the exact same TENN stamp on my gun its in the same place. 11/18 AV barrel serial number 720249 No rebuild stamps on stock. Bolt and sights have been replaced at some point. Would they have updated these parts on the ship?

[RCS]

Tdarmo, My TENN marked SA 1903 (sn 825055 with SA 3-18) also has a Hatcher hole and an early NS bolt which were added later, sights are WW1, bore is in exc condition.

Do you have the Hatcher hole in the left side of your receiver too

[Tdarmo]

No Hatcher hole. Bolt is Remington only marking is an R and punch mark underside of bolt handle. Trigger guard is also Remington

[Tdarmo]

Also there is also a BU 139 stamp on the butt and a 47 stamp near the safty

[Emri]

That would be my thoughts too. The X looks like it was scratched with a knife but the T and E almost have a old style of font look to them. Well seems that its another wish it was but not quite there stamping.
Its off in the sunset with TEX.
Thanks for the replys, Derrick

Looking at your pic indicates to me that "Tex" personalized his rifle at some point.

[Tdarmo]

Did a search on the Tennessee. That was one decorated ship.

[Randy A]

TE X = Throat Erosion of 10