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Gentlemen,
I need the board’s advice on two Springfield 1903’s that I recently purchased and whether they are Marine 1903’s. I know from my research that identification of Marine 1903’s is more of an art than a science. Having spent six years’ in Marine Corps, I understand that any two Marines can find three different ways to do the same thing.
I purchased them through the Rock Island Auction. I suspect I overpaid, and I am not really interested in anyone confirming my suspicion. But, being a history buff and a collector of old guns, the urge grabbed me, and I was really along for the ride.
But, now on to the real questions
Rifle #1
Springfield Serial No. 572836
No electro-pin serial on the bolt
USMC 9-41 barrel with Sedgley circled “S"
No obvious park, although the rear sight may have been parked
Hatcher hole (opposite side from bolt handle) present and appears to have been de-burred as it is smoother than the other
No markings on bolt arm
No stipple on butt place, but it has a stamped, checkered butt plate
Scant stock with boxed A.A.K. cartouche (“Augusta Arsenal”?)
No obvious punch mark
Have not broken down to check for markings on barrel
Much later front sight cover than on other rifle
Pics attached
Rifle #2
Springfield Serial No. 1353844
Electro-pin serial on the bolt (serial number only)
Springfield barrel from 4-30
Obvious green park on receiver as are the bands. Bolt and rear sight are blued.
Hatcher hole (opposite side from bolt handle) present appears to be post-manufacture drilling as it was not burred down
“BF” over “47” stamped on bolt arm
No stipple on butt place, but it has a stamped, checkered butt plate
Scant stock with no markings and old
No obvious punch mark
Have not broken down to check for markings on barrel
Thanks for reading. Enjoy your evening, or morning, as the case may be.
Pics to follow (assuming I did this correctly)
I need the board’s advice on two Springfield 1903’s that I recently purchased and whether they are Marine 1903’s. I know from my research that identification of Marine 1903’s is more of an art than a science. Having spent six years’ in Marine Corps, I understand that any two Marines can find three different ways to do the same thing.
I purchased them through the Rock Island Auction. I suspect I overpaid, and I am not really interested in anyone confirming my suspicion. But, being a history buff and a collector of old guns, the urge grabbed me, and I was really along for the ride.
But, now on to the real questions
Rifle #1
Springfield Serial No. 572836
No electro-pin serial on the bolt
USMC 9-41 barrel with Sedgley circled “S"
No obvious park, although the rear sight may have been parked
Hatcher hole (opposite side from bolt handle) present and appears to have been de-burred as it is smoother than the other
No markings on bolt arm
No stipple on butt place, but it has a stamped, checkered butt plate
Scant stock with boxed A.A.K. cartouche (“Augusta Arsenal”?)
No obvious punch mark
Have not broken down to check for markings on barrel
Much later front sight cover than on other rifle
Pics attached
Rifle #2
Springfield Serial No. 1353844
Electro-pin serial on the bolt (serial number only)
Springfield barrel from 4-30
Obvious green park on receiver as are the bands. Bolt and rear sight are blued.
Hatcher hole (opposite side from bolt handle) present appears to be post-manufacture drilling as it was not burred down
“BF” over “47” stamped on bolt arm
No stipple on butt place, but it has a stamped, checkered butt plate
Scant stock with no markings and old
No obvious punch mark
Have not broken down to check for markings on barrel
Thanks for reading. Enjoy your evening, or morning, as the case may be.
Pics to follow (assuming I did this correctly)
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