Premiere Collector's Firearms Auction - September 7, 8 & 9, 2012
September 7, 8 & 9, 2012
Premiere Collector's Firearms Auction
| Lot #: 1796 | Estimated Price: $9,000 - $13,000 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Scarce Springfield Model 1903 Sniper Rifle with Winchester A5 Telescope | |||
   Click on the image(s) above to view a larger version | |||
| Got one to sell | |||
| LOT SOLD | |||
| Serial #: | 443377 | Manufacturer: | Springfield Armory U.S. |
| Model: | 1903 | Type: | Rifle |
| Gauge: | 30-06 | Catalog Page: | 264 |
| Barrel Length: | 24 inch round | Finish: | parkerized |
| Grip: | N/A | Stock: | walnut |
| Class: | Curio & Relic Long Gun | ||
| Condition Rating: | |||
| Description: | This is pre-WWI standard model 1903 Springfield bolt action rifle that was converted into a sniper variant and then kept in service after WWI. These early sniper rifles were equipped with probably the best known scope at this time which was the Winchester model A5 scope. These scopes were developed and produced by Winchester from approximately 1910 through the early 1930s. This specific scope was fitted with the Mann-Neidner type inverted dovetail scope mounts, in lieu of the fragile, Winchester A5 scope mounts. These Mann-Neidner mounts use a special inverted dovetail base in which the mounts slide on from the rear of the bases. The section of the handguard has been milled out to allow these M-N mounts to allow for the scope to be mounted on the bases. The rifle/receiver was originally produced in late 1910 early 1911 and was rebuilt in mid 1918 as the barrel is marked SA-5-18. It has the standard milled barrel hands and trigger guard/floor plate. It is fitted with an early, straight handle, Springfield bolt that has a small letter "s" on the underside of the safety lug, that has a single small gas hole and the later green parkerized finish. It is fitted with a standard later pattern, two bolt stock produced by Rock Island Arsenal as it is marked "RI" on the end that is stamped with a Rock Island Arsenal boxed "FW/1917" cartouche on left side with a single letter "P" proof in the pistol grip area. The scope as noted is a standard Winchester A5 model that carries the Winchester markings on the top of the tube. | ||
| Condition: | Very fine with 70% of the arsenal blue overall with moderate blue loss on the barrel bands with heavier loss on the exposed metal surfaces of the trigger guard and floor plate, with the front end of the barrel having been reblued at some point. The top of the cocking piece has a hairline stress crack. The stock and hand guard are both in very good condition showing much original oil finish with a nice matching medium brown color on both pieces with numerous handling marks and light pressure dents overall. The cartouche is clear and visible. The scope and mounts retain 80% of it's blued finish overall with clear factory markings with clear optics. | ||
| Addl Info/FAQ: | Watch The Video | ||
