This Springfield Model 1903 rifle is serial number 172 altered from the original "Rod-Bayonet" configuration c. 1905 and re-chambered for the .30-06 cartridge around 1909. This rifle has the "S" stock with single reinforcing bolt introduced in 1909 and retains most of the early components including the handguard with no sight slot or spring clips, rear sight with platinum sight line, small, dished windage and elevation knobs, bright finished bolt body and niter blue extractor, smooth, narrow trigger guard and smooth buttplate, The bolt sleeve has the later style safety with block letter markings. The barrel, upper and lower barrel bands, rear sight base, trigger guard and floorplate sling swivels and buttplate are blued. The receiver has the standard, early, four-line Springfield markings above the serial number "172". The barrel is roll-stamped with "SA/ordnance shell & flame/05/A" in four lines below the rear sight. "K" is stamped on the inside of the bolt handle. The left side of the stock is stamped with a final inspection mark consisting of the script initials "CV" in a rectangle with flattened corners. "M" is stamped to the left of the inspection mark, and "C" is stamped to the right of the mark. The underside of the stock below the trigger guard is stamped with an "A" sub-inspection mark and encircled, script, "P" proof mark. A small "S" is stamped on the forearm tip. The rifle is accompanied by an early production Springfield Model 1905 Bayonet dated "1906" and first style, short throat, leather, M1905 scabbard marked "R.I.A. /1906". Early production Model 1903 rifles with the 1905 alteration are scarce.

Very good. The receiver of this rifle has been reblued, but the remainder of the rifle is in fine overall condition. All of the components appear to be original to this rifle. The stock and handguard are excellent with extremely sharp "CV" final inspection marks. The bayonet has been lightly cleaned, and the walnut grips show moderate handling wear. The scarce first pattern scabbard remains in very fine condition. This is a good looking representative example of one of the very first M1903 Springfield rifles manufactured.