Eagle head stamp just discovered

[Fred]

Ray, I got it on Gunbroker. There was one other bidder.

[rayg]

Wonder how I missed it,

I checked your serial number in my SRS books and no hits, Ray

[Fred]

Thanks for checking Ray. I appreciate that. You know, I guess there are so many 1903's on gunbroker that they all start looking alike after awhile. I'd been looking for a double heat treated one with the classic high hump handguard and sharp edges on an original stock that hadn't been sanded. With the help of several guys on this forum, I was able to determine that the bolt was probably the original one the rifle left the armory with. Compared to all of the other double heat treated that were on GB at that time, this one checked out in all areas as far as I could determine. So, I took a chance. It cost me almost $1,600.00, but I was pleasantly surprised when I took it out of the box. The bore is fantastic! You know, If I didn't know better, I'd swear that the stock on this rifle is Italian Walnut. Hmmm I wonder if it could be? Any ideas?

[PKelly]

Absolutely gorgeous.

[Fred]

Thanks Kelly!

[Roadkingtrax]

Nice rifle...

[rayg]

I think that is a very good buy for an all correct and original 1918 dated 1903. Most have been re-arsenaled and/or have mixed parts, Ray

[Fred]

Thanks Roadking!

[Fred]

I think that is a very good buy for an all correct and original 1918 dated 1903. Most have been re-arsenaled and/or have mixed parts, Ray

Ray, where do you think it might've been for the past 94 years? It must've kept a low profile. Maybe it was sold as surplus early on after spending time in a national guard unit? The stock had been protected by a thin coat of varnish from oils and dirt. I wiped it off with cotton rags and acetone. Then applied a few drops of boiled linseed oil.

[Fred]

Here's another picture of the left side showing evidence on the forearm that the handguard and stock have been matched together for a long time and are probably original to the rifle.