This is an example of a U.S. Springfield Model 1903A1 National Match rifle that was manufactured in 1937 and subsequently acquired by the U.S. Marine Corps. This rifle is fitted with the Marine Corps 8-power Unertl "USMC-SNIPER" telescopic sight with black anodized Unertl aluminum mounts, numbered "1623" on the body (the serial numbers of these scopes are believed to have begun at "1000"). The scope has fine wire crosshairs and steel lens covers. A number of U.S. Model 1903A1 NM rifles were converted to sniper configuration and fitted with Unertl telescopic sights by the Marines at the Philadelphia Navy Yard c. 1943. This rifle has the standard late production Springfield NM features which include: (1) star-gauged barrel, (2) polished bolt, receiver rails and follower, (3) matching serial number electro-penciled on the bolt body and stamped on the underside of the stock just ahead of the lower sling swivel mount. An undercut Patridge blade front sight is installed beneath a sheet-metal protector, with the barrel marked "SA/3-38". Dovetail blocks have been installed on the barrel and front receiver ring, a professional cutout performed on the handguard to accommodate the former and the latter partially covering the receiver markings. The pistol grip stock is "S.A./S.P.G." inspected, with "4S/5" in the cutoff cutout, circled unserifed "P" on the grip, the aforementioned matching number, "31" in white vinyl sticker on the right side near the heel, and a coarse checkered steel buttplate. Included with the rifle is a set of collector records, showing a chain of possession from the current consignor to "the Marine Corp. Museum in Quantico, VA in June of 1970", and including a photocopy of a memorandum on Marine Corps Base Quantico letterhead certifying the transfer of this rifle by serial number from Marine inventory to a first private collector/dealer in the chain of possession.

Excellent, with 90% of the original blue/parkerized finish, showing some areas of brown patina, bright edge wear and mild handling marks,. The stock is fine, with a number of dents and scratches, and some light chips around the buttplate. The scope body shows 98% blue with mild wear, with the optics crisp and the reticle solid. Mechanically excellent.