Fine U.S. Eddystone Model 17 (P17) Rifle……(F 959) SOLD
Created on September 18th 2021
U.S. Model 17 Service rifle by Eddystone
High quality Model 1917 U.S. Service rifle built by Eddystone in 1918. Chambered in the .30-06 US govt’ cartridge with a five shot internal magazine and a Mauser bolt action. Receiver marked “U.S. / MODEL OF 1917 / EDDYSTONE / 515514” Eddystone produced the highest number of these rifles out of the three manufacturers between September 1917 and January 1919. A total of 1,354,701 are thought to have been produced by them. It was a well liked rifle with the troops for its steady shooting base, but not much so for its weight, as the ordinary foot soldier would have to carry his weapon everywhere and it is not the lightest among its contemporaries. The .30-06 cartridge is a powerful 30 calibre for its time and will fly along a very flat trajectory for its size. It was an effective knock down round.
This particular rifle is stocked in light coloured American Black walnut with handguards over the barrel. The fore end has the finger groves as this rifle was never fitted with the long range volley sights. Semi pistol grip in very good condition with little indication of a trip to the trenches. Markings on the stock include the American Eagles head ordnance acceptance mark behind the trigger guard and a very clear but unknown “5D” marking on the LHS of the stock adjacent to the action.
Overall the rifle is 46.1/4″ long. The round blued barrel is a nominal 26″ long and the trigger Pull is 13.1/2″ to centre. The barrel is marked as follows just behind the front sight assembly;- ” E / flaming bomb / 3 – 18″ All pretty self explanatory. The front band incorporates a bayonet lug underneath. Just behind that band, in the underside of the fore-end a number “169” is visible – possibly a rack number. Twin sling swivels with genuine “NOBUCK” canvas sling attached in good order. Which, in this kind of useable condition carries a premium itself. Plain steel trigger guard and floor plate with serrated trigger. All bolt markings are marked with the small letter “E” for Eddystone.
As with all P17 rifles it is equipped with a bolt release catch to the rear LHS of the action and a safety to the RHS. Stacking hook under front band. Front sight protected by steel “ears”. Rear ladder sight with aperture battle sight. The ladder being graduated from 200 to 1600 yards. The larger aperture for closer ranges. Outer action wall marked with Flaming bomb. Excellent bore with strong rifling and no pitting or misting. Blueing is strong all over with only high edge wear.
A fine surviving example with a lot of life left in the original bore. A rifle which would make an honest representation of its period in any military rifle collection and to-boot most likely make a fine shootable example.
Stock No’ F 959
£ 1200. (SOLD)
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