Lot 3599: Canadian Ross M-10 Straight Pull Sniper Rifle

This is one only 250 kits of the second run, in 1917, of the Ross Mark III sniper, making this a scarce rifle. It features hooded blade front sight and receiver peep sight. Top of receiver ring marked "ROSS RIFLE CO./CANADA/M-10/PATENTED" with Canadian proofmarks on the barrel and receiver. Receiver is also mounted with a side mount and Warner & Swasey Co. Telescopic Musket Sight (scope mount not numbered to scope). The stock is, however, marked "SCOPE/NO. 464" which matches the scope and scope case. The matching numbers are rare on these rifles and show that the whole kit has stayed together since it left the factory on its way to the trenches of World War I. This configuration was also commonly used by snipers in the Canadian Expeditionary Forces. Smooth pistol grip stock with a smooth steel buttplate and scope number stamped on the left near the butt and is in the scarcely seen configuration with one barrel band and sniper altered half stock. This stock configuration is also rare because it is typically seen without an optic attached for use by marksmen fighting within close proximity to enemy positions. Includes leather scope case numbered to the scope and U.S. ordnance department manual for scope.

Fine, retaining 40% original blue finish with handling marks and a smooth gray patina on the balance. The stock is very good as well with scattered dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. The scope retains 75% of the black finish and has hazy optics. It will likely take one a long time to find another Ross sniper which remains together as a full matching number kit with sniper altered half stock.