This is a very rare all original example of an early Springfield Model 1903 rifle, as originally manufactured in the Model 1905 pattern, that is still chambered in the original 30-03 cartridge. (This is NOT a conversion of a ramrod bayonet rifle; rather, it is as originally made by Springfield). In early 1905, Springfield Armory stopped all production of Model 1903 ramrod bayonet model rifles following severe criticism from President Theodore Roosevelt about the Ordnance designed rod bayonet. At that time SA had produced approximately 75,000 to over 100,000 rifles that had to be converted from the original ramrod bayonet model into the new model for use with the 1905 bayonet. This rare rifle is one of the first new 1903 rifles with the Model 1905 upgrades. It was probably manufactured in late 1905 which still retains its original "unaltered 30-03" barrel and chamber. These early rifles were still chambered in the 30-03 cartridge and were eventually recalled (circa late 1906/early 07) and converted into the new standard 30-06 cartridge by shortening the barrel and setting back the rear sight base. Obviously this example escaped that fate making it an extremely rare rifle today. It is estimated that only 50-100 of these original 30-03 caliber rifles still exist today. The rifle has the correct components to include the new 1905 front barrel band with the bayonet stud on the underside, the new 1905 rear sight base (and new 1905 tangent rear sight) that is still pinned in its original location (without the additional/second cross-pin slot), correct original barrel that measures 24.206 inches still chambered for the .30-03 cartridge. The top of the receiver is roll-stamped: "U.S./SPRINGFIELD/ARMORY/MODEL 1903/168494" using the small, serif letters. The barrel is marked "SA/Ordnance Shell and Flame/05". It is fitted with its original early straight handle bolt that has the early small single gas hole on the underside with the small capital "S" on the underside of the safety lug. It has the second style bolt sleeve and safety lock adopted in late 1904 and a late production striker. The rifle also has the correct round end follower rather than the short square-ended follower utilized on the early Model 1903 rod bayonet rifles. The markings on the safety lock and cut-off switch also have serif letters. It has the original "S" pattern finger groove stock, with no stock bolts, and the correct early high hump handguard with NO sighting groove and no handguard clips on the side. The left side of the stock is stamped with its original boxed cartouche with no date which is correct for the 1905/06 production rifles with a capital letter "L" in the cutoff slot. This rare rifle still has its original high polished blue metal finish with the oil quenched casehardened receiver and bright polished bolt with the heat treated bolt handle. It comes with its original nickel plated oiler only (with no pull-through cleaning jag) in the buttstock trap. Consignor noted that this rifle was originally in the noted Jonathan Peck Springfield Collection.

Excellent with 95% plus of the original blue/oil hardened finishes overall with some slight wear and thinning on top of the receiver as well as the edges and high spots overall and floorplate. The stock and handguard are both in excellent condition with a sharp original cartouche on the side with only a few light handling marks overall. A superb example of a documented very rare, totally original early Springfield Model 1903 bolt action 30-03 rifle in the 1905 pattern. One may look a long time to find another; extremely rare!