^Lot 3734 U.S. Model 1903 Springfield Rod Bayonet Rifle

This is a nice example of a U.S. Springfield Model 1903 rod bayonet bolt action rifle as manufactured in 1904. Like nearly all of the original production Model 1903 Rod Bayonet rifles, it was modified to accept the Model 1905 Bayonet and then subsequently restored back to the original Rod Bayonet configuration with many of the original parts, that include the distinctive 12-inch retractable rod bayonet, unique two hole front sight base, special front barrel band, early pointed tip narrow trigger, full length style handguard and Model 1902 Krag tangent rear sight. The rifle is fitted with an early "S" type stock with the single reinforcing bolt added in 1909 and has the early smooth buttplate with small diameter butt trap. The tip of the forearm still retains the original hole for the upper barrel band screw that was added when the stock was modified to accept the Model 1905 bayonet. As noted the rifle retains a full length style Rod Bayonet handguard that was originally modified to the shorter length and then restored back to the full length. It is fitted with a authentic style handguard spring clip and two rivets, however the edges of the spring clips have been shortened. The rifle has an original Rod Bayonet barrel which is correctly lacking the manufacture date/ Ordnance and Armory markings, but still correctly measures "24 3/8 inches", as used on the original 30-03 chambered rifles. The breech end of the barrel still shows the original cross-pin slots on the top and underside of the barrel in front of the rear sight base. The underside of the barrel, in the chamber area is is marked with "C 8/P" proofs. The barrel has been fitted with an original rod bayonet front sight base along with a 1905 pattern rear sight based that has been nicely modified to resemble the earlier original 1903 base that has a Krag rear sight on top. Currently the rifle lacks the 1903 style, smooth face, rod bayonet catch, solid lower barrel band, and short face, square end follower and niter blue extractor found on original Rod Bayonet Model 1903 rifles. The bolt body is a later straight handle, blued version that has been partially polished to resemble the bright finished bolts found on original Rod Bayonet rifles. The trigger guard has the cross-pin that was added to limit forward trigger movement when the rifle was modified from Rod Bayonet configuration. The left side of the stock wrist is lightly stamped with the boxed, script, "JSA/1904" final inspection mark that is correct for Rod Bayonet rifles, however the stock lacks the circled script "P" proof mark, in the pistol grip area. The receiver is roll-stamped "U.S./SPRINGFIELD/ARMORY/MODEL 1903/27640" in five lines using the small serifed markings found on early production Model 1903 rifles. The safety lock has the post-1904 safety with "READY" and "SAFE" in serifed letters. The magazine cut-off has the early serifed markings. The rifle is fitted with a Model 1903 Sling marked "ROCK ISLAND/ARSENAL" and stamped with the inspector's initials "E.H.S." A nickel plated oiler is located in the butt trap.
BBL: 24 3/8th inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 30-03
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: 27640
Condition: Fine as professionally restored. The finish on the front exposed section of the barrel has been nicely restored to match the rest of the rifle. The buttplate and bolt have an old reblued finish with the bolt been partially polished to resemble an original Rod Bayonet version. The handguard is in very good condition overall as noted, with the stock being in near very good condition with a nice original finish with minimal handling marks overall with the boxed cartouche being restruck, which shows a slight double strike. In addition there is a small field repair on the top right rear edge, near the rear sight base, as well as a crack emanating from the front trigger guard screw and the forend tip, both of which have been professionally reglued and are barely noticeable. The russet leather Model 1903 sling is in excellent condition. Rod Bayonet Model 1903 Rifles are extremely rare, with nearly all of them being modified to accept the Model 1905 Bayonet and in most instances also re-chambered for the .30-06 cartridge. Original Rod Bayonet Model 1903 parts such as followers, lower barrel bands, hand guards and safeties are nearly impossible to find for Rod Bayonet rifle restorations. This is a good looking and substantially correct example of a restored Rod Bayonet Model 1903 rifle. Consequently examples such as this, allow 1903 and U.S. martial arms collectors the opportunity to add an example of this rare and distinctive rifle to their collection at an affordable price. It would be very difficult to duplicate this rifle today as an original unaltered example would certainly bring four to five times the estimated price of this example.