U.S. / Danish Model 1917 Rifle by Eddystone….(F 878) SOLD
Created on December 5th 2020
An Interesting Model 1917 Rifle with links to the Danish Sirius Sled Patrol and Home Defence Force
Manufactured by the Eddystone Rifle company between 1917 and 1918 in the U.S and sometimes known as “The American Enfield.” Built on a sturdy Mauser-type action with a bent bolt handle and an internal 5-shot magazine. Chambered in the US government .30-06 round, the rifle can be charger fed (for rapid loading) through guides, machined into the front of the rear action bridge. The receiver ring is marked as follows: ” U.S. / MODEL OF 1917 / EDDYSTONE / 542109″ The action out wall is clearly marked with the American flaming bomb motif. Safety catch mounted to rear RHS of action, marked with the single letter “E”. Bolt release catch to rear LHS of action – spring very strong.
Overall the rifle measures 46.1/4″ in length. The unmarked, round barrel is 25.5/8″ long and the trigger pull is 13.1/2″ to centre. These were heavy rifles and provided a very stable shooting base. Many were turned into sniper variants by both the US and Great Britain. This rifle however has yet another nationality which may lay claim to it, namely Denmark. Its origins may lay in the defence of WW2 Greenland. The rifles which were originally produced for the first world war, ultimately, have experienced a considerably extended service life. After World War One they were pressed into service again for round two! The Model 17 which was in .30-06 was used by auxiliary troops in the US and by second line troops from Britain and the Commonwealth. More commonly rifles in the UK were used by the home guard. Also, surprisingly, through a deal brokered by the US President, in response for a call for aid from Greenland, a shipment of just fifty rifles, found its way to a unit named the Sirius Patrol. These small dog sled teams operated in Greenland and caused the occupying Germans some considerable headaches. This rifle has an unmistakable Danish acceptance mark on the barrel knox form. They have remained in service ever since with the Danish Home guard!
Clues which hint at this are one, the barrel is unmarked up behind the foresight. Secondly, when the handguard is removed it exposes a very interesting acceptance mark, namely a crown over the letters “DK” which represents Denmark. The lack of markings indicate that this barrel is not the original barrel – normally an original barrel adds value and worth to the collector. However, the Danes re-barrelled these rifles in the early sixties with a match grade barrel of their own and the give away is the lack of roll stamped markings behind the foresight. Certainly on inspecting the bore it is immaculate and impossible to fault. It is not unreasonable to expect this rifle to be very accurate.
The re-barrelling also explains the high grade blue finish to the barrel and receiver. All other components are also blued. No non-“E” marked components spotted so far. Also Eagles head inspection marks in all the right places. The stock is an excellent example of an American Black Walnut fitment with finger groves, with a high grade finish and rich dark even colour. There are clear American Eagles head acceptance marks in the underside of the stock and the figure, “1M” also behind the trigger guard. Correctly, and not later modified, the rifle still has its flip up ladder rear sight and aperture battle sight. There exists mixed information regarding sight modifications and a notch that appears in the receiver ring of some of these rifles. However, I have seen it suggested that the original military issue to the home guard and even the WWII sledging commandoes retained the original sights.
Whatever its origins, where ever its been, and this one does seem to have some interesting lineage; this rifle is going to be a pleasure to own. With a bore like this it will produce some impressive results on our home ranges. As a P17 or Model 17 whatever your preference, this one is simply one of the best I have had the pleasure to handle.
Please ask for stock No F 878
£ 1250. (SOLD)
Comments Off on U.S. / Danish Model 1917 Rifle by Eddystone….(F 878) SOLD