1909 RIA WWI Bringback grouping?

[cplnorton]

This popped up here in Ohio. It was said to be a bringback grouping of John M Leslie who was in WWI. Where it was found and the asking price lends me to believe the story is probably True. I guess it's hard saying, but it looks like a pretty fitting group. The only thing I questioned is the blade of the bayonet looks blued or blackened I don't know if they ever did that by the end of WWI or not.

But here is the group.











The First aid kit was green and is faded tan. It has a AMF or AME stamp on the inside

[cplnorton]

The bayonet is a 1909 RIA as well. But the blade has been darkened or blued. I don't know if they did this by 1919. The canvas scabbard looks to be painted Green.

[cplnorton]

[cplnorton]

[cplnorton]

I forgot to take pics of the rifle case, but it's nothing really special. Just a 1918 Dated Rifle case. The cartridge belt by the way is a eagle snap Mills and dated 1916.

[1563621]

Nice group! Did you buy it? Price? If you want to PM it?

[Smokeeaterpilot]

Absolutley amazing steve. You should be proud! Very nice grouping

[Fred]

It has a 1917 Enfield rear barrel band.

[cplnorton]

Lol dang good eyes Fred. I didn't even catch it. I wonder if it was a field expedient repair or what.

1563621 it's not for sale right now. Its actually my friends. I'm trying to decide if I want to buy it. I'm more into Marine 1903's. But its just a neat group. If I decide to pass on it I will let you know.

[Fred]

It sure is a fine looking rifle!

[m1903rifle]

It's hard to believe that rifle spent anytime "in the trenches". Also, the green colored gear is sometimes associated with the USMC. A lot of the earlier "in the white" bayonets were blued or parkerized for WW1.

[Rick the Librarian]

I agree - a nice "group" and beautiful rifle, nothing looks "combat" to me.

[firstflabn]

Great job on the photos. Almost 3D.

Leslie's first unit was part of the 83rd Division, a NA unit, so almost certainly armed with M1917s. His second regiment was in the 30th Division, a unit which served under British command its entire time in France, and, thus, carried SMLEs.

He may have brought the M1903 home (who knows), but he and the rifle had zero combat experience together.