This is an excellent example of a very desirable U.S. Springfield Model 1903 N.R.A. sales rifle. This rifle is marked with the distinctive Ordnance shell and flame insignia over "N.R.A." underneath the front of the trigger guard assembly to differentiate it from the standard issued service rifles. These N.R.A. marked rifles were available only to N.R.A. members prior to U.S. entry into World War I. All N.R.A. sales rifles were brand new (never rebuilt or altered) and subjected to stringent inspection criteria to include hand selection of the rifle based on the beauty of the wood components for color and uniformity, overall high grade blue finish and Star Gauging of the barrel to ensure land and groove uniformity for the best possible accuracy. These rifles were intended for National Match shooting prior to World War I. The receiver is roll marked with the five-line, standard Springfield Armory markings, and the top of the barrel is stamped "S.A." above the Ordnance shell and flame insignia and the date "2-16". The rifle has an oil quenched casehardened receiver and all blued milled components that include the barrel bands, bolt, trigger guard, and floorplate. The safety and cut-off lever are casehardened. The cut-off lever is correctly polished on the "ON" side. It is fitted with a walnut "S" style stock that has a single reinforcing bolt, high hump handguard with proper rear sight clearance cut and spring clips, and checkered steel buttplate with compartment. The rifle has a serrated trigger, dished windage and elevation knob, and rear sight leaf with the 2,850 yard notch. "H" marked on the bayonet lug, "I 8" marked on the right of the rear bolt lug, the left stock wrist is stamped with the Ordnance final inspection initials "J.S.A." in a rectangle, a small "D" in the cutoff recess, and a small "23" above a circled script "P" firing proof stamped behind the trigger guard. Includes a "1918" dated M1907 leather sling. Provenance: The Paul Crockett Jr. Collection

Exceptionally fine, retains 85% plus original blue and oil-quenched finish with some light wear areas on the bolt, a few areas lightly thinning to a smooth brown, a partially struck N.R.A. stamp with otherwise sharp markings and edges in the metal. Stock is excellent with crisp grasping grooves, defined edges, a few light scratches and handling marks, and a crisp cartouche. Mechanically excellent.