These rifles were originally manufactured under contract with the Imperial Russian government during World War I. After the fall of the Russian monarchy, the Russian contracts were terminated, and these rifles were purchased by the U.S. Ordnance Department, where they were used for training purposes as well as with the American Expeditionary Forces both in North Russia and in Siberia between 1918-1919 to enable the troops to utilize stores of 7.62x54R Russian ammunition. Inverted "V" blade front and adjustable notch rear sights with the increments graduated to "32" Russian arshins, standard "imperial eagle" crest above the maker's mark and "1917" date on the breech of the barrel, hex receiver, polished straight handle bolt, smooth American walnut stock with grasping grooves, an eagle head stamp above a flaming bomb and "U.S" on bottom ahead of the trigger guard housing, circled Russian inspection stamp on the right of the buttstock ahead of "WCC", and a smooth steel buttplate. Matching serial numbers on the barrel, bolt, floorplate, and buttplate. Includes a socket spike bayonet numbered "1296041" and stamped with a flaming bomb and a canvas/leather sling.

Exceptionally fine, retains 85% plus original blue finish with some light handling marks, a few patches of light freckling, some patches of moderate freckling on the bolt, and sharp markings and edges in the metal overall. Stock is excellent with distinct edges overall, some light scratches and dents, and mostly crisp stampings. Mechanically excellent. Bayonet is excellent.