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Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity for a Collection Defining U.S. Model 1903 Bolt Action Rifle
Since it was never approved we assume that these are the only “two” examples of this style trench rifle ever produced. The rifle itself was manufactured in 1909 RIA and the receiver has the standard five line markings over serial number “131036”. The barrel is correctly marked “RIA/Ordnance shell and flame proof/5-09”. It has the milled components and the bolt is later pattern Springfield Arsenal double heat treated bolt that is marked with a small “s” on the underside of the safety lug. The stock, as noted, has been highly modified, however, it still retains its original fingergrooves on the side along with a boxed “CN/1909” cartouche. It even includes the small reflecting mirror periscope as shown in the pictures and discussed in the article.
CONDITION: Fine, with 60% plus of the original blue finish showing flaking of the fragile oil-quenched finish on top of the receiver with better blue on the milled components. The stock and aluminum frame are both in very fine condition with some minor handling marks on the sides in various areas but still intact and fully functional. An absolutely one-of -a-kind, rare, M1903 rifle, and quite possibly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Provenance: The George Moller Collection.
Estimate: 20,000 - 35,000
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