Mk.1 stock w/no Cartouche

[GWS]

I have a Mk.1 s/n 1189246 with a 2-20 S.A. barrel and what I think is the original FG stock. There is a circle P proof behind the trigger guard but no stock cartouche on the left side. By the condition of the stock, there never was a cartouche applied there. as no sanding or refinishing of the stock is evident. I vaguely remember some mention here of this condition on some Mk.1 rifles, but a search revealed nothing. Can anyone help on this? Thanks. Will post some pics as soon as I can.

[Fred]

My Mark I had an inspectors cartouche on its original stock

[GWS]

Here's a few pics. The sight,sight base and barrel have a greenish tint parkerizing, receiver is black and most everything else is blued.DSCN0064.JPGDSCN0065.JPGDSCN0068.JPGDSCN0066.JPGDSCN0067.JPG

[Dick Hosmer]

FWIW, that is the strangest "P" I have EVER seen on ANY US martial arm.

[JimF]

FWIW, that is the strangest "P" I have EVER seen on ANY US martial arm.

I dunno, Dick . . .

My January, 1918 '03 looks the same. --Jim

[Dick Hosmer]

Could be camera angle, but the top and bottom edges of the 'loop' of the P do not appear to be parallel, and the P does not seem to be well centered.

Granted, I am much more familiar with the earlier serifed style, but do have block Ps on one Krag - which is a Benicia rebuild, a 1913 '03, and my NRA Sporter.

[GWS]

My photos are far short of great, but here's a shot of the proof mark on a 1918 dated '03 I have. It's struck deeper but essentially the same. I also reshot the Mk.1 proof.DSCN0070.JPGDSCN0072.JPG Also see Brophy(The 1903 Springfield Rifles) p.573 proofs.

[Dick Hosmer]

Those look "better" somehow. The Mk1 is a light strike, as well, which may add to the illusion. Plus, having to twist my head may not be helping either! [GRIN]

BTW, wasn't saying it wasn't "right", just that the hit looked a bit strange.

[twh]

Need to see a picture of the left side of the stock that shows the area around the ejection port.

[Dick Hosmer]

Need to see a picture of the left side of the stock that shows the area around the ejection port.

The edge of the ejection port clearance notch is visible in pic #1.

[GWS]

A few more pics: Has correct cut-off, sear and special Mk.1 trigger(not shown) Note milling ripples or ridges in finger grooves- stock is very nice---just no cartouche!DSCN0073.JPGDSCN0074.JPGDSCN0075.JPGDSCN0078.JPG

[GWS]

Here's a couple more pics:DSCN0079.JPG Sorry for the duplicate--having problems attaching pics right now.

[louis]

That is one very nice stock. I it my imagination or do I see a remnant of a horizontal box in the area of where there should be a cartouche? I thought I saw it when I enlarged the photo. Either way it doesn't look like someone sanded this stock.

[GWS]

Yes, I see it. There are several "lines" like this in other areas of the stock--maybe open grain? Also, 3 more pics:DSCN0083d.jpgDSCN0082.JPGDSCN0080.JPG

No marking on forend tip below bayonet attachment. Floorplate has some loss of blue-looks like a stain in pic.

[John Beard]

Seasons' Greetings,

Unless I am badly mistaken, one reason your rifle's stock has no inspection stamp (cartouche) is because it's not a Mark I stock.

Hope this helps. Happy New Year!

J.B.