This is an experimental bolt action rifle manufactured by Springfield Armory in 1901 as a replacement for the Krag rifle. This rifle features a Mauser style bolt action nearly identical to the action subsequently used on the Model 1903 rifle, Model 1903 style five round magazine, trigger guard and floorplate. The rifle has a 30-inch barrel, rod bayonet, Krag Model 1898 tangent rear sight, Krag style front sight and Model 1898 Krag style stock, handguard and buttplate. The solid top receiver is roll-stamped: "U.S./SPRINGFIELD/ARMORY/1901/11" in four lines. The bolt, safety lock, magazine cut-off and the barrel have no visible markings. The upper and lower barrel bands are stamped with a block "U" on the right side. A small "C" is stamped on the underside of the stock below the trigger guard. This rifle has a blued barrel, barrel bands, trigger guard and floorplate, bright bolt body and handle and casehardened receiver, safety lug, cocking piece and magazine cut-off. The stock and handguard are oil-finished walnut. "THE SPRINGFIELD MODEL 1903 RIFLES" by LTC William Brophy discusses the 1901 Experimental rifles on pages 2-20. The description of the 1901 Experimental rifles indicates significant variations in the features and markings of surviving rifles. This rifle is a second variation 1901 Experimental Rifle with solid top receiver, second style rod bayonet, second style upper barrel band without retaining screws and a checkered rod bayonet catch. Brophy lists just thirteen surviving 1901 Experimental rifles serial numbered 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 20, 22, 26, 28 and 29 in the Springfield Armory Museum or private collections. Brophy identifies ONE of the thirteen 1901 Experimental rifles (serial number 29) as being in a private collection. The Springfield Armory 1901 Experimental Rifles are very rare and historically significant rifles that were the basis for the M1903 rifle.

Fine. The rifle is mostly a refurbished applied brown finish overall with silvered out color casehardened finish visible on receiver. The floorplate retains nearly 95% of the original blue finish. The balance of the case colors have faded to an attractive plum-colored patina. The bolt has the original bright finish with distinct armory polishing marks above and below the safety lug. The professionally lengthened stock and handguard are both in fine condition with sharp edges and minimal handling wear. The magazine follower and split lower barrel band appear to be Model 1903 components. This is a solid representative example of an ultra-rare U.S. Springfield Armory 1901 Experimental bolt action rifle. This is the only example writer can recall ever offering at our auction!