This is a rare example of a U.S. Springfield Armory 1903 Mark I rifle rig that includes the very rare 1918 Pedersen Device. This complete set consists of: 1) the Springfield M1903 Mark I rifle, 2) an original Pedersen Device (serial number 962), 3) an original Pedersen 40-round magazine, 4) one carton of 200 rounds of "CAL. 30 AUTO. PISTOL BALL CARTRIDGES MODEL OF 1918", specifically for the Pedersen Device, (5) two canvas magazine pouches, both marked "R.I.A./7-19", (6) a canvas bolt carrier pouch marked "R.I.A./1919" (designed to carry the 1903 bolt when the Pedersen device is installed), (7) a 1918 canvass belt marked "LONG 6-18", 8) a 1905E1 bayonet and scabbard marked SA/1918 and a WWI canteen and cover, and 9) a desirable reproduction combination installation /disassembly tool. This lot also includes a photocopy of the Ordnance Boards evaluation of this device in 1917/18, photocopies of the U.S. patent drawings of the Pedersen device. The M1918 device was designed by John Pedersen c. 1917 and was specifically designed to convert the 1903 bolt action rifle into a semi-automatic rifle by simply replacing the standard 1903 bolt with the Pedersen device and inserting one of the special magazines. This device utilized a low velocity, .30 caliber cartridge designed by Pedersen. His concept was to provide rifle-equipped infantryman with a weapon that produced a high volume of semi-automatic fire in the assault but retained the capability of providing long range firepower of a standard infantry rifle. The M1903 Mark I rifle had an oval ejection port in the left side of the receiver, special stock modified to accommodate the ejection port, special sear/trigger and modified magazine cut-off. Prior to installation of the Pedersen Device, the Mark I rifle fired the standard .30-06 cartridge and functioned exactly like a standard M1903 rifle. The Ordnance Department adopted the Pedersen Device in March 1918 and for security purposes designated it "AUTOMATIC PISTOL CALIBER 30, MODEL 1918". A total of 500,000 Pedersen Devices were eventually ordered from Remington Arms Co. About 65,000 devices had been delivered when WWI ended in November 1918. No Pedersen Devices were ever issued to troops in the field. Post-war evaluation of the Pedersen Device determined that it served no practical purpose. In April 1931, 64,873, Pedersen Devices and 60 million rounds of ammunition were destroyed. Very few Pedersen Devices and magazines escaped destruction or retention by government museums. The right side is marked: "REMINGTON-BRIDGEPORT/PEDERSEN'S PATENT" in two lines above the cocking serrations. The opposite side of the device is marked: "U.S.A. 1918-MARK I/972" in two lines. The magazine has a black parkerized finish. The Mark I rifle has a barrel marked "SA/10-18/A," and the complete rifle has a later all green parkerized finish. It has a later 1903A3 Remington marked bolt assembly. The receiver is fitted with the correct Pedersen Device magazine cut-off and screw. The stock is a correct WWI finger-groove stock with a boxed "EHD" and single "P" proof, and the handguard is a later WWII replacement.

Fine with the light green arsenal refurbished parkerized finish overall, with light wear on the edges and high spots. The stock and handguard are both fine with a nice dark brown matching color overall showing minor handling marks and light wear on the finger grooves from use and handling. The cartouche and stock proof is visible but a little light. The canvas ammunition belt and canteen are fine showing wear and use overall, and the magazine pouches and bolt carrier are like new. The 200 round box of ammunition (full) is still sealed, so it is assumed to be excellent.

As described in "A".

The Pedersen device is good condition with traces of a dark black finish showing light pitting overall, except for the cocking device on top, which retains no finish and the end cap, which retains 90% of a dark parkerized finish. The original magazine is excellent. A solid representative U.S. Model 1903/Pedersen device rig.