z Sold U.S. Model 1903 Springfield

Model: 1903 Mark 1
Serial Number: 1087036
Year of Manufacture: Ca. XXXX
Caliber: .30-06
Action Type: bolt action
Markings: The top of the Chamber is marked “US Springfield Armory Model 1903 Mark 1 1087036" Lever at rear of Bolt had "Ready" on one side and "AFE" on th other, Switch on left side back of Bolt has "On" and "Off" Stamped in Stock on Left side is "RA-P" and an "S" Top of Barrel is marked "SA (symbol) 12-18 A" On stock near Muzzle is stamped "C" and Bayonet fitting is marked H
Barrel Length: 25 inches
Sights / Optics: Original
Stock Configuration & Condition: very good plus
Type of Finish: Oiled
Finish Originality: yes
Bore Condition: very good, strong clean rifling
Overall Condition: The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good plus condition.
Mechanics: excellent
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: Very good throughout. On page 6 of "Hatcher's Notebook" this rifle is referred to as one of the 03s made up with the smaller caliber ejection port on the left side for use of the Pederson device. This was the latter part of WWI. More information on the Pederson device begins on page 361 of the same book. It was a .30 caliber pistol BOLT which could be carried in addition to the normal bolt and inserted into the gun to convert it instantly to a semi-automatic with an upward magazine holding 40 cartridges! This was a top secret weapon, taken to France and demonstrated by Hatcher and Pederson for General Pershing. It wasn't adopted because the .32 round didn't have the same shock and awe factor of a rifle round. The bolts were stored for some time and destroyed. The minor modifications made to the rifles were removed and the rifles issued with the left ejector port intact. They were rare when the book was written after the end of the second war.