This is an outstanding example of a Rock Island Arsenal manufactured U.S. Model 1903 rifle. The top of the barrel is stamped "R.I.A." above the flaming bomb insignia and "3 08" date, with a blade front sight, early type rear sight with dished windage and elevation knobs and a polished face with a 2,850 yard volley notch, early type straight grip walnut stock correctly without reinforcing bolts, with a large "S" stamped on the tip of the forend, inspector Conrad Nelson's boxed script "C.N./1908." cartouche stamped on the left of the wrist, small "K" sub-inspector proof behind the trigger guard followed by a script "P" firing proof, flat top handguard, and a blue finished smooth steel buttplate. Includes an original 1906 revision Model 1903 rifle manual with handwritten "Property of the/34" Co. Coast Artillery/Sergt Leehman" inside the front cover, a tan canvas action cover, and an oiler inside the butt compartment.

Excellent, retains 97% original blue finish, 98% of the original fragile oil-quenched finish on the receiver, and 90% vivid case colors on the small bolt components, with some light freckling and handling marks. Stock is also excellent, with attractive original raised grains and rich oil finish, a few light handling marks, and exceptionally sharp stamps and edges. Mechanically excellent. This is one of the finest RIA manufactured Model 1903 rifles we have offered to date.