M1917-Original Finish?

[Homer03]

I bought this rifle thinking the finish on the receiver was original. If anybody can form an opinion from the pics (hope this works with the links) I would appreciate comments on the condition of this 1917. Thanks in advance, H

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/g...2/IMG_5502.jpg

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/g...2/IMG_5500.jpg

[TerryR]

Looks original to me Blued. Very nice shape. Ogden rebuild Elmer Keith inspector. It got some other replacement parts that don't match from the rebuild. This is normal.
Terry

[Homer03]

Thanks Terry--What throws me is the evidence of rebuild- it has a R barrel also. I thought that all rifles that got rebuilt got refinished.

[Dan Shapiro]

"I thought that all rifles that got rebuilt got refinished."

Not necessarily. A Model 1917 was probably not even considered worthy of 'war reserve' but rather headed for some VFW post. So fix the broken parts and send it down the line for crating. Way too many WWII era weapons waiting for refurbishing.

[Fred]

Ogden Utah ordinance processed weapons and materials being designated as going to the Pacific Theater of Operations during WW II according to Elmer Kieth.

[Homer03]

I can almost hear old Elmer now: "I dont give a good #&%%#@amn what the army says- you are not going to park over that perfect blueing!"

[cplnorton]

Is the barrel blued or parked? The barrel might not have been changed by the military. There were a lot of surplus barrels for the 1917 floating around back in the day.

[Homer03]

There is no Park on the rifle. The R 4-18 barrel shows no sign of wear but has a couple pin head sized pits in an otherwise shiny and sharp bore. Maybe its not even a OGEK and the stock was replaced.