This is an all original, unaltered, early Rock Island Arsenal Model 1903 bolt action rifle. The receiver has the standard four-line markings over the serial number and the top of the barrel is marked "R.I.A./(Ordnance shell and flame)/5-07" which corresponds to the receiver manufacture date. The barrel is fitted with the correct early ladder rear sight with dished windage and elevation knobs and a polished face graduated from 100-2,700 yards with a 2,850 yard volley notch. It has the standard blade front sight. It has its original Rock Island Arsenal manufactured straight handled bolt with a small gas hole, that is correctly stamped "18" on the right of the safety lug. The safety and cutoff levers are correctly color-casehardened. It is fitted with a correct and desirable early flat top handguard, beautiful early straight grip finger groove walnut stock with a large "S" stamped on the tip of the forend, no reinforcing bolts, a crisp boxed script "C.N./1908" (Conrad Nelson) inspection cartouche marked on the left of the wrist, and a small "L" sub-inspector proof behind the triggerguard followed by a crisp circled script "P" firing proof. The buttstock is fitted with a smooth blued steel buttplate with compartment. It has the Rock Island Arsenal high polish rust blued finish on the various components and the unique Rock Island Arsenal deep oil quenched blackish finish on the receiver (very different from the finish found on Springfield model 1903 rifles and very fragile). The buttstock and handguard have the hand rubbed linseed oil finish. Includes a "ROCK ISLAND/ARSENAL/1907" marked M1907 leather sling, "R.I.A./(Ordnance shell and flame)/1906" marked M1905 bayonet, and "R.I.A./1907./H.E.K." marked leather scabbard. Provenance: The Steven Preston Military Collection

Fine, retains 40% original blue finish on the metal components, strongest on the barrel, barrel bands and rear sight with the balance turned to a smooth gray patina with strong traces of original blue finish on the floorplate, and sharp markings in the metal overall. Stock is excellent with crisp grasping grooves, defined edges, rich oil finish, some light scratches and handling marks, and a crisp cartouche and proof. Mechanically excellent. Included bayonet is very fine with sharp edges, some scattered light surface pitting, and defined edges and rich oil finish on the walnut handle. Scabbard and sling are both fine with some light edge wear. This early Rock Island Arsenal Model 1903 rifle would make a fine addition to any U.S. Military or Model 1903 rifle collection!