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  • Auction Catalog #85
  • Lot #1344
Lot #1343
Lot #1345

Lot 1344: U.S. Springfield 1903 Heavy Barrel International Match Rifle

Desirable U.S. Springfield Model 1903 Heavy Barrel International Match Bolt Action Rifle

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: May 14, 2022

Lot 1344: U.S. Springfield 1903 Heavy Barrel International Match Rifle

Desirable U.S. Springfield Model 1903 Heavy Barrel International Match Bolt Action Rifle

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: May 14, 2022

Estimated Price: $6,500 - $11,000
Price Realized:
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Desirable U.S. Springfield Model 1903 Heavy Barrel International Match Bolt Action Rifle

Manufacturer: Springfield Armory U.S.
Model: 1903
Type: Rifle
Gauge: 30-06 Springfield
Barrel: 28 inch round
Finish: blue
Grip:
Stock: walnut
Item Views: 1853
Item Interest: Active
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 246
Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun
Description:

This Model 1903 Style B International Match rifle was manufactured by Springfield Armory c. 1928 and fitted with a Schuetzen style cheek-piece. Another example of one of these rifles, serial number 1285607 previously sold by Rock Island Auction Company, is illustrated and briefly described on page 138 of "The Springfield 1903 Rifles" by Lt. Col. William S. Brophy. Brophy states, "One of three known unusual Springfield Armory heavy barrel style "B" international-type rifles. All rifles are identical in all respects, even to not having front sights. It is very possible that these rifles were assembled for use in long range competitions such as the Wimbledon Cup and Herrick Trophy matches in which telescopic sights were allowed." The rifle has a standard Model 1903 receiver, and an armory polished bolt with headless cocking piece. The bolt is matching electro-stencil serial numbered "1294232" with a "J5" steel lot code marked handle with a period relief cut on the top edge for clearance of a scope. The receiver is fitted with a Lyman 48 micrometer sight. Serrated trigger. The 28 inch heavy barrel is 1.2 inches in diameter at the breech and 1.0 inches in diameter at the muzzle. The barrel is secured by the same modified Model 1917 rifle special barrel band utilized on the Springfield Style T heavy barrel rifles. The barrel has no provision for a front sight. Unertl telescopic sight bases are mounted on the barrel and receiver, no scope is currently mounted. The rifle has a 1924 International Free Rifle style stock with adjustable Swiss buttplate that has been arsenal modified by removing the upper half of the butt and cheek-piece and replacing it with a Schuetzen style cheek-piece. No markings are visible on the stock. The receiver has the standard Springfield Armory markings which are partially covered by the rear sight base. The markings on the safety and magazine cut-off have the correct block letters. The underside of the barrel is stamped "SA/502" (requires disassembly for viewing). There are no other markings on the barrel. The barrel, barrel band, receiver, trigger guard, floor plate and bolt sleeve have the same blue finish found on M1903 Sporters manufactured for commercial sale. The bolt and extractor are polished and the bolt has the distinctive armory polishing marks on either side of the safety lug. All of the heavy barreled target rifles manufactured by Springfield Armory are rare. This rifle is quite possibly the rarest of all the Springfield heavy barrel match rifles.

Rating Definition:

Very fine, retains 85% original blue finish with some loss on the floorplate, some light wear on the edges of the muzzle, some light scratches and handling marks, and scattered very light freckling. Stock is very good as modified/revarnished with light to moderate handling wear, some light crazing, and glue on the right of the butt as reinforcement for the Schuetzen cheek-piece joint. Mechanically excellent. This is a rare example of a U.S. Springfield Armory Model 1903 Style B International Match rifle that would make a fine addition to any advanced U.S. Military or 1903 rifle collection!



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