Have an opportunity to purchase this and neither myself or the buyer know much about it. Family friend (widow) liquidating her husbands old collection. We both know its old but not much more. Even if I dont buy it want to make sure she doesnt get robbed.
Here's what I think it is:
Make: Springfield
Model: 1878 Trapdoor
Serial Number: 373856
Year of Manufacture: 1889-1990
Caliber: 45-70 Government.
Action Type: Single Shot Trapdoor
Has this cool bayonet with US plate (but not sure its original). 'US' font doesnt look right (aftermarket?)
VP insignia on barrel.
Anything I can pull of of it determine more about it or sense of worth?
Thanks everyone.
SPRINGFIELD MODEL 1903 MILITARY RIFLES These were produced from 1907 to 1945 | |||||
First serial Number of each year | YEAR | Number Produced | |||
269451 | 1926 | 4464 | |||
337862 | 1927 | 10501 | |||
358085 | 1928 | 20635 | |||
398276 | 1929 | 32505 | |||
456376 | 1930 | 31355 | |||
502046 | 1931 | 34265 | |||
531521 | 1932 | 21908 | |||
570561 | 1933 | 15878 | |||
595601 | 1934 | 49720 | |||
620121 | 1935 | 4491 | |||
632826 | 1936 | NONE | |||
761658 | 1937 | 36855 | |||
1,055,092 | 1939 | NONE | |||
1,162,501 | 1940 -- 1943 | NONE | |||
1,211,300 | 1944 | NONE | |||
1,239,641 | 1945 | 59685 | |||
1,252,387 | -- | -- | |||
1,261,487 | -- | -- | |||
1,267,100 | -- | -- | |||
-- | -- | -- |
.
1903 Model rifles were manufactured by the following manufacturers : Remington Rand --Smith Corona -- Rock Island Arsenal - -Springfield Arsenalwho was the largest manufacturer
1903 rifles were manufactured in only 3 caliber's :22 caliber --303 Caliber and 30-06 caliber's .
Early rifles only had 2 lands and 2 grooves .
There were 74500 rifles built with bayonets built in and are known as model 1905.
All 1903 rifles were 5 shot .
There were a very small number of cutaway model's produced .
There were 910 stripped 1903's manufactured for the air service in 1918.
The 1903A1 was adopted in 1929 for the director of civilian marksmanship.
There were 101778 model 1903's converted for the Pederson Device and known as the Mark 1.
There were a small number of sniper rifles manufactured or converted and number less than 4000.
There were 18000 National match guns manufactured from 1921 to 1928.
There were 11000 national match rifles manufactured or converted from 1928 to 1940.
There are a unknown number of guns remanufactured with Star Gauged barrels for NRA members .
There were 153 National Match special rifles produced in 1924.
There were 195 NB National match rifles manufactured 1925 - 1926.
There were 6500 N.R.A. Sporters produced 1924 - 1933.
There were 589 N.B. Sporters produced In 1925 - 1926 .
There were 566 Heavy barrel match rifles produced from 1922 - 1930.
There were 15525 Hoffer-Thompson rifles 22 Gallery rifles produced from 1907 to 1921.|
We recommend the following books on this Subject :
The 1903 Springfield rifle by William S Brophy.
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