This is a representative example of a very rare WWI era 1918-Mark I Pederson Device for the Mark I 1903 Springfield Bolt Action Rifle. As we all know these rare Pedersen Devices were developed in late 1918 and were designated as the "Automatic Pistol, Caliber .30, Model of 1918- Mark I". The Pedersen Device itself consisted of a semi-automatic bolt assembly and detachable stick magazine that was designed to replace the complete standard bolt in a U.S. Springfield Model 1903 Mark I Rifle, which would convert the rifle into a semi-automatic weapon. The Pedersen Device was intended to provide the infantry man with a close range, semi-automatic rifle for assaults on enemy trenches, but still retain the capability of converting the rifle back into a high powered, bolt action rifle for long range combat. The Army planned to introduce the Pedersen Device in the offensive against the German Army in the spring of 1919, however when WWI ended in November 1918, the Pedersen Devices were placed in storage. The device itself fired a low velocity .30 caliber type pistol sized cartridge designated: "Caliber .30 Automatic Ball Pistol" to disguise its intent. The device used a 40-round stick magazine that would have been inserted into the right side of the Pederson Device, when installed in the rifle, and the spent cartridge would be ejected through the port on the left side of the 1903 Mark I rifle receiver. During and after WWI it was classified as a secret weapon until 1931 when the security classification was removed from the Pedersen Device and all of the devices were ordered to be destroyed. The destruction was nearly complete as fewer than 100 Pedersen Devices are estimated to be in collections and museums today. The Pedersen Device itself is marked on top of the cocking piece in two blocks: "U.S.A. 1918-MARK I/ 972" with the right side marked: "REMINGTON-BRIDGEPORT/PEDERSEN'S PAT'S. PENDING" in two lines. When all of the devices were ordered destroyed, there supposedly burned first and then crushed. This device is partially complete, but it included the body of the device, cocking piece and sliding body assembly, the end cap, extractor and several of the internal springs.