This is an exceptional example of an early National Match configuration Springfield M1903 rifle, manufactured right after the end of World War I. Some distinctive features of this early National Match rifle include the bright polished receiver runways and follower, folding leaf rear sight with a bright finished face that correctly lacks the 2,850 yard volley notch (eliminated in late 1918), parkerized finish adopted by Springfield Armory in late 1918 on the receiver, bolt, barrel, upper barrel band, buttplate, trigger guard and floor plate, and blue finish on the smaller parts including the areas of the rear sight, rear barrel band, cocking piece and sling swivels. This early National Match rifle properly does not have the star gauge mark on the barrel muzzle which was later adopted in 1921, although it would have been manufactured to the same standard. 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 "12-18". The stock has the second reinforcing bolt added in 1917, and is fitted with a checkered buttplate. The safety has the standard block letter markings. The magazine cut-off has serifed markings indicating it was manufactured at Rock Island Arsenal (Springfield Armory used Rock Island Arsenal manufactured magazine cut-offs on 1918 and 1919 production rifles after Springfield began production of the special cut-offs for M1903 Mark I rifles in late 1918). The left stock wrist is stamped with the Ordnance final inspection initials "D.A.L." in a rectangle. "H" marked on the bayonet lug, "J5" marked on the right of the rear bolt lug, a small "J" in the cutoff recess, and a small "85" above a circled script "P" firing proof stamped behind the trigger guard. Includes a "1918" dated parkerized Springfield M1905 bayonet, tan canvas scabbard, M1907 leather sling, P.J. O'Hare rear sight cover, and oiler inside the butt compartment.

Excellent, retains 97% original parkerized finish with some light finish loss concentrated on either side of the front sight base, and 85% original blue finish on the blued components. Stock is also excellent with crisp grasping grooves, defined edges, a few light handling marks, and a crisp cartouche and proofmark. Mechanically excellent. Included bayonet is excellent. The scabbard is fine. An exceptional example of a scarce early National Match Springfield M1903 rifle!