This is an example of a U.S. Model 1903 'Rod Bayonet' rifle similar to those manufactured by Springfield Armory circa 1904. This rifle is similar to one the of nearly 73,000, Model 1903 rifles manufactured with the unique rod bayonet before production was halted in January 1906 after the Ordnance Department decided the rod bayonet was inadequate, adopting instead the knife bayonet. Nearly all of the original rod bayonet Model1903 rifles were altered to accept the Model1905 Bayonet and subsequently modified to chamber the .30-06 cartridge. This rifle has been restored to the original rod bayonet configuration using an original stock, Krag style rear sight, rear sight base, rod bayonet, upper barrel band, rod bayonet catch and front sight. The left side of the stock is stamped with an Ordnance final inspection mark that consists of the script initials "JSA" above the date "1904" surrounded by a rectangle with rounded corners. A circled script "P" proof mark is stamped on the underside of the stock behind the trigger guard. The buttplate is not checkered and has the early small diameter trapdoor stamped with the assembly number "605" on the inside. The receiver has the early small letter markings with Roman (serif) letters. The rear sight base and front sight have been reinstalled on a .30-06 caliber barrel marked "SA/05/A" behind the rear sight base. The base pin on the rear sight base and stud pin on the front sight are not milled flush as they were on original rifles. The rifle lacks the original style follower, solid lower barrel band and stacking swivel. The trigger guard has the cross pin modification added to converted rod bayonet rifles. The bolt body is blue instead of bright and the ejector has a dark finish rather than the niter blue found on original rifles. The bolt sleeve and safety are later post 1904 replacements. The hand guard is a reproduction that lacks the riveted spring clip. The Rod Bayonet Model 1903 is one of the rarest U.S. martial arms. Fewer than 100 original Model 1903 Rod Bayonet rifles are believed to exist in museums and private collections. Original components of the Rod Bayonet Model 1903 such as stocks and barrels are nearly impossible to obtain. It would be extremely difficult to assemble this rifle today. Restored rifles like this example offer collectors the opportunity to add a representative example of a nearly unobtainable but extremely important rifle to their collection. The rifle is complete with a reprinted M1903 manual.

Good as assembled/refinished. The stock is very good with most of the original oil finish, sharp edges on the grasping grooves and a fine restamped final inspection stamp and proof mark. The buttplate is original to the rifle and retains 75% of the blue finish with silvered case colors on the trap door. The rifle receiver, barrel and bolt body have been re-blued and the other components retains 30% of the military blue finish. The markings on the barrel and receiver are clear. This rifle represents a great opportunity to add a representative "Rod Bayonet' Model 1903 rifle to a U.S. martial arm collection.