1903A1 National Match rifle

[Calfed]

A couple of months ago I saw a 1903 rifle on auction, billed as a National Match model. It looked right and I requested a serial number check on it on another forum. My source came back with a hit from the SRS...1903A1NM DCM sale, 9/12/1938. Based on the hit, I went ahead and put a bid in on it. I hadn't heard anything back from the auction house, so I assumed I hadn't won.

Friday they called and advised that I had won the NM rifle and another rifle that I had also put a bid in on. There were a limited number of pics and description.







Description advised as follows...

A .30-06 ‘MODEL 1903 A1 NATIONAL MATCH’ BOLT-MAGAZINE SERVICE RIFLE, serial no. 1402726, 24in. barrel with blade fore-sight and tangent rear sights to 2850 yards, the muzzle with ‘S.A’ over the ordnance bomb and '1-38’, receiver marked ‘U.S. SPRINGFIELD ARMORY MODEL 1903. 1402726’, polished bolt marked ‘N.S.’ and etched with the serial number, pistolgrip stock with sling swivels and chequered steel buttplate with trap

I know that better pics and description would be required to determine what the going rate would be for this rifle and whether I got a good deal on it or not, but does anyone have any thoughts on what a NM rifle from this era is worth?

What should I look for when it arrives to determine how original it is?

[Cosine26]

It looks to me as if the stock has been modified in the top of pistol grip area. I will post a known NM Type C stock picture. The dark stock is the darker. The light stock is a reworked Keystone stock.

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o15/Cosine1/M1903/M1903RTfs.jpg

Hope this helps.
FWIW

[RCS]

Most of the later NM 1903 stocks have both the drawing number and rifle serial number stamped by the rear sling swivel, I have 1497163 and D-1836 stamped
on a stock

[Calfed]

It looks to me as if the stock has been modified in the top of pistol grip area. I will post a known NM Type C stock picture. The dark stock is the darker. The light stock is a reworked Keystone stock.

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o15/Cosine1/M1903/M1903RTfs.jpg

Hope this helps.
FWIW

Most of the later NM 1903 stocks have both the drawing number and rifle serial number stamped by the rear sling swivel, I have 1497163 and D-1836 stamped
on a stock

Thanks, guys!

SRS can provide a letter attesting to its pedigree as a NM rifle and also a copy of the original sales ticket.

Assuming that it still has all the NM attributes, and is in good condition, could you hazaed a guess as to its value?

[Cosine26]

There was an undocumented NM M1903 in the for sale section for $1500. It is on gun broker according to the latest post. I do not know what documented rifles are selling for.
FWIW

[Rick the Librarian]

A lot more than $1500!!

[Cosine26]

I agree. The rifle in the for sale section was undocumented and the price was $1500. As I indicated, the seller has moved it to Gunbroker according to his latest post. There were some numbers close but unlisted. I believe that NM M1903 are going for about $3000 but have not seen any advertised recently
FWIW

[Calfed]

Thanks, guys.

John Beard believes that the stock is not original, so I'm not sure where that leaves the value of this rifle.

[louis]

Really nice rifle. You did well on both rifles.

[Calfed]

Thanks, louis

[Cosine26]

Calfed
I respect John Beard's opinion (He is far more knowledgeable in the area of M1903's than I) but after careful study of the pictures that you have posted, I believe that the stock on this rifle is a type C which has been modified in the pistol grip area. It may very well not be original to the rifle as John pointed out. After a study of the pictures it appears to me that the top of the pistol grip had been made deeper in the comb area. The remainder of the stock looks to be pure M1903 including the stock bolts and the fore end hardware. If you look at the stock just forward of the lower sling swivel you many be able to see the stock number or a rifle number (indication a NM rifle).One other consideration (though very remote) is that this was an experimental stock by some employee of the SA. I have no idea what the value of the rifle would be. Modifications do not seem to add to the value of the rifle unless it can be documented to some special project
FWIW

[Calfed]

I've looked that area over carefully and it does seem different. I just do not know enough to opine.

I've looked for pictures of other NM stocks and have come up with a few...including this one, which looks similar to my untrained eye...



Mine



I just do not know. I'll know more when the rifle actually arrives.

[Calfed]

You could be right, Cosine 26. Here is another picture of the same NM rifle from LSB



Here is mine


The chief difference, again to my untrained eye, is around the pistol grip and handguard. I guess if it comes and there are no NM markings on the stock, I'll know for sure.

[Cosine26]

I am wrong again.

[Roadkingtrax]

NM rifles were often modified once purchased. No doubt this could have as well.