Extremely Rare intact M1903 Mk I US Springfield Service Rifle….. (F 1031) Reserved

Rare Springfield Model 1903 Mk 1 Rifle

In the authors opinion (purely!) this model of the 1903 Springfield rifle is the most interesting to have and to hold within your Military Springfield Rifle collection. This is the Springfield Model 1903 Mark I.  The “Mark I” having been applied after a brief dalliance with the Perdersen Device towards the end of WW I.  Pederson himself, the inventor called it the “automatic bolt system” but it soon came to be known as the above.  In essence it was a semi-automatic bolt system, interchangeable with the standard bolt on the 03′ which turned the standard rifle into a 40 round close quarters rapid fire weapon.  It utilised a 30 calibre pistol cartridge quite similar to the .38 ACP which was compatible with the 1903 rifles’ bore.  It basically consisted of a semi-auto pistol like slide and firing mechanism, along with a box type 40 round magazine which were all carried on a webbing belt; in moments the soldier could change the normal bolt for the semi-auto system and turn his long range rifle into a close combat assault weapon.

The rifle had to be altered but, apart from the ejection port on the LHS of the receiver wall, there was no other machine work to be carried out, only the changing of parts including the trigger mechanism and the magazine cut-off switch. There was a minor inlet in the stock to allow the empty cases to clear the port but material alterations were minimal.  The device was thoroughly tested and General Pershing was keen to get them out to his troops on the front lines of Europe but, overall the device had little time to prove itself and as is normal with change it had its objectors who sited difficulties in use as their reasons to decry to effort.  After WWI the device surfaced in various places and training situations but eventually the death nell was sounded and the army ordered the entire kits destroyed en-mass.  Needless to say, to get a surviving kit would be a wonderful thing as some were snaffled away and only survive on the collectors market as Golden Fleeces in the Springfield world.

The rifles, however suffered no such fate as too valuable to simply destroy, so they were ordered returned to their original status. Most had all the modified components removed and original pattern parts refitted.  This rifle is a slight anomaly.  Remarkably, it still is fitted with at least two of the modified Pederson receptive parts.  It is the only one I have experienced in this condition.  It still sports its modified magazine cutoff and sear assembly. the later being actually split into two components that act on both the Springfield bolt and the Pederson bolt.  The aperture cut in the action walls were never resealed so the slot is till present.  The markings on the crest of the receiver were altered when the Pederson rifles were built and these remain the same.  Also the stock has the slight relief cut t clear the ejection point showing still. In theory it might be possible to restore this rifle to operate with the Pederson Device, if it were legal and you could actually find one! All other examples of the Mark I encountered by Sword & Musket have had all those components replaced.

The marking upon the crest of the receiver read as follows;- “U.S. / SPRINGFIELD /ARMORY / MODEL 1903 / MARK I / 1059537”  The “Mark I” was an addition to the normal markings.  The serial number indicates production in 1920.  This is further reinforced by the data behind the front sight on the barrel;- “S.A. / flaming bomb / 6 – 20” – So, original barrel.  Superb even colour to receiver and bolt.  The receiver has the single gas escape hole on the RHS.  Mauser-type bolt action with flag safety to rear.  5-shot internal magazine chambered in .30-06 government.  Magazine selection and bolt extraction catch still retains the modified slot for the Pedersen Device to rear LHS of action.  The rear sights are fitted on the early Springfield pattern barrel collar, with the lightening cuts.  Early dished adjustment knobs with windage.  Sights graduated to 2850 yards with top grove.  Early high hump hand guard.

Finger grooved straight grip stock in American Black Walnut with high hump relieved for clear sight picture.  Twin cross re-enforcement bolts.  Plain steel butt-plate with trap for cleaning equipment (a/f) “U” stamped Springfield mid-band.  Front band incorporates bayonet fitting and stacking loop.  Sprung guard fitted to front sight for protection. Twin sling swivels.  The stock has superb deep colour and patina to it and dark figured stripe in its colour.  Finger grooves are soft from usage.  Faint circled final proof “P” behind trigger guard. There is a very difficult to discern set of initials on the LHS of the wrist, which belong to the final inspector who released the rifle (possibly C.J.B who is one of the unknowns….)  The action is superbly smooth to operate, that only comes with age, this rifle is 102 years old!   Excellent bore and chamber devoid of corrosion with good uninterrupted four groove rifling, with strong definition.  No pitting or misting- excellent for an original barrel.

Freshly proofed when originally supplied in 2011.  This is an highly unusual and excellent piece of U.S. Military History which the new owner can also experience first hand in its original form.   These are now extremely difficult to find, and almost more difficult to extract from the hands of the country which also covets their won military history with pride.  Not to be repeated within the foreseeable future.

Stock No F 1031

£ 2150.  (Reserved)

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