This is fine example of a scarce late WWI U.S. Springfield Armory 1903/Mark I bolt action service rifle. As we all know these Mark I rifles were manufactured for use with the ultra rare semi-automatic Pedersen device. This device was intended to convert the standard service rifle into a semi-automatic rifle by just removing the standard rifle bolt and replacing it with the device; great concept only it used an anemic small .30 caliber pistol cartridge, the overall design coming too late in WWI to have been used. After the war all these Mark I devices were all placed in storage and eventually in the late 1920's, almost all of them were destroyed. This rifle is complete with correct Mark I magazine cut-off, cut-off spindle, special trigger and sear. The receiver ring is marked "U.S./SPRINGFIELD/ARMORY/MODEL 1903/MARK I" over the serial number and the barrel is marked "S.A./flaming bomb/7-18". The side of the receiver has the correct small ejection port on the left side for use with the Pedersen device. It has the original fixed blade front sight with a military folding ladder rear sight. It has all the correct milled parts and is fitted with an early "S" marked 1903 bolt. The rifle has been fitted with correct Mark I walnut stock, and the small recessed area on the left side below the ejection port. It has the correct grasping grooves on the sides with the two stock bolts and a high hump, wide groove walnut handguard. The left side of the stock has a faint, boxed "J.F.C." inspection cartouche, as well as faint circled "P" in the pistol grip area. It is complete with an unmarked, WWI type leather sling with brass hooks.

Very fine as rebuilt with 97% of the arsenal dark green/black parkerized finish overall. The reoiled stock and handguard are also in fine condition with clear visible stock proofs and cartouches, having been arsenal refurbished. A nice looking highly desirable model 1903 Springfield Mark I bolt action rifle.