This is a beautiful example of an original U.S. Springfield M1903 bolt action rifle that has been completely customized by the legendary gunsmith A.O. Niedner of Malden, Massachusetts. This beautiful rifle is pictured and documented on page 88, in the excellent book "The Springfield 1903 Rifles" by Bill Brophy. This Springfield Model 1903 rifle was custom manufactured in the 1920s, and the basis of this rifle was an original M1903 Springfield N.R.A. Sales Service Rifle. Based on the serial number of the rifle, it was probably produced sometime around mid-1917, and was probably actually sold sometime in the 1920s. It was completely rebuilt/converted into a single shot bolt action rifle using Niedner's own conversion design that is very similar to the later M1922 .22 LR training rifles. During the conversion, he installed a completely new (slightly heavier) .22 LR barrel and a specially manufactured bullet loading tray on the breech end that included a ejector in the bottom of the tray. This loading tray is held in place inside the action via two small screws on the left side of the receiver wall. The original 1903 bolt was shortened and converted to fire the .22 LR cartridge with a complete new bolt head assembly again very similar to the later design used in the M1922 and later M1/M2 .22 LR training rifles. The top of the receiver has the standard five-line original Springfield Armory markings, and the top of the bolt conversion unit is clearly stamped "A.O. NIEDNER/MALDEN.MASS. As part of his conversion, he installed a set of his patented custom tapered scope block sets with a corresponding set of modified Winchester A5 target type scope mounts. The scope blocks are centered; one on top of the receiver ring and the other one in front of the rear sight base, approximately 7.25 inches center to center. The scope is a very rare late manufacture Malcom telescopic sight, probably of a 4 or 5 power, similar in design to the Winchester A5 scope. The scope is marked on the rear end of the scope tube with "MALCOM/4117/1", and it is fitted with a set of custom screw on lens covers. The level of detail and workmanship is absolutely fabulous, as would be expected from a master gunsmith of his caliber. The rest of the rifle is fitted with all the remaining original Springfield M1903 parts, including the all blued barrel bands, the original blued N.R.A. marked trigger guard assembly and buttplate. It also retains its original prewar Springfield, "S" type, straight grip fingergroove walnut stock with a single reinforcing cross bolt and the slightly modified walnut handguard. The stock is correctly stamped on the left side with a period modified boxed "J.S.A." cartouche (which now reads "U.S.A.") and a script "P" proof behind the trigger guard. This is very scarce and unique, "one-of-a-kind" A.O. Niedner custom M1903 Springfield rifle variation that is fully documented and verified as original in the noted reference book.

Excellent with 90% of the original blue finish on the metal parts overall with just a hint edge and high spot wear. The custom loading tray and front bolt head assembly as manufactured by Niedner also retains with 99% of color casehardened finish. The stock and handguard are both in very fine condition with the stock showing only very minor handling marks on the side and a clear and distinct Ordnance cartouche and proof.