This is a fine example of an early U.S. Springfield Model 1903 rifle that was originally produced in 1909 with the 30-06 barrel. This example was originally produced in 1909, however it was fitted with one of the early 30-06 conversion barrels. The receiver is marked in block letters in five lines with: "U.S./SPRINGFIELD/ARMORY/MODEL 1903/368528" indicating manufacture in mid to late 1909. It retains its original second pattern "high wood" M1903 stock, (unmodified) the casehardened receiver with the all blued trigger guard, barrel bands, barrel and bolt. The stock has one reinforcing bolt and is fitted with the first pattern smooth butt plate. The rifle has the early, smooth, pointed trigger and rear sight with the small diameter, grooved windage and elevation knobs. The handguard is the first pattern that was produced with no sighting groove through the top of the handguard but has the rear sight windage knob clearance cut and no spring clips as produced in late 1909 early 1910. The original barrel was manufactured for 30-03 cartridge and was converted by Springfield Armory by shortening it approximately .200 of an inch to convert it for the standard 30-06 cartridges. The original barrel still retains its original markings of "SA/Shell and Flame/05" with no month which is correct for these early barrels. It is also fitted with a third pattern rear sight base that is solid on the underside with no cutouts. This third pattern base was introduced in late 1909, so this is a very early Model 1905 configuration rifle. It is also fitted with a correct corresponding rear sight leaf to compensate for the new cartridge ballistics. It is fitted with the correct early all blued bolt with a single gas hole on the underside and the safety lug stamped with a letter "B" on the underside. It has the correct milled components, barrel bands, trigger guard and floor plate and a smooth butt plate. The rear sight is a correct early pattern with the range markings from 100-2800 with the long range notch on top of the leaf in block number form and it also has the early small dished windage and elevation knob that’s approximately .450 in diameter with the center split groove, and it also has the early pattern dished elevation lock screw also with the center groove. It is fitted with the correct no-bolt new manufacture "unmodified" high wood, finger groove stock that has a small boxed (block letter) "JFC" cartouche on the left side of the stock with a single circled script "P" proof behind the trigger guard.

Fine with 40% plus of its original blue and case hardened finish overall with wear on the top of the exposed front and rear receiver rings. The stock and handguard are both in fine condition with two hairline cracks visible in the upper wrist and a chip at the tang. Sharp crisp cartouches are visible. It has a nice matching color overall showing only minor handling marks or light scratches in some areas. Mechanically excellent. A very scarce and highly desirable all original early Model 1903 Springfield rifle.