a really low number 1903

Status
Not open for further replies.
I'd imagine that it was put aside immediately after it was made. Thanks for the lovely pictures as they do justice to that blackish bluing on those rifles. Reminds me of the Star Wars dialogue line about light sabers, 1903's are "elegant weapons for a more civilized age".
 
# 1 was taken directly from the production line to the museum. It was proof tested and it has a Conrad Nelson cartouche which is dated 1905. That date is a bit of a mystery, as the gun was completed in 1904. Of course, it is still chambered in the original 30-03.

The other #1, from Springfield Armory, was modified for the knife bayonet and rechambered to 30-06. It was issued to a soldier and was over in France fighting when a 2nd lieutenant spotted it and took it away from the guy. He sent it back to S.A. where it is on display today at the Springfield Armory National Historic Site.
 
murf said:
where is this museum?

murf
Click to expand...
Rock Island, Illinois. Arsenal Island is a 946 acre Island in the Mississippi River, situated between Iowa and Illinois. The Federal Government turned the Island into a Federal Arsenal in 1862. It has an Illinois address but it is not really part of either state. It is an active duty military post with approximately 800 active duty troops on the Island. It is the headquarter for The 1st Army, The Army Sustainment Command and the Joint Munitions Command. We have small detachments from the Marine Corps, The Navy, the Air Force and the Coast Guard as well. Because of this ,while it is primarily an army base, it is not called a "fort" The Island is heavy with top brass. We have a Lieutenant General, two Major Generals Two one stars and a bird Colonel named Jimmy Hendricks! Security on the Island is very tight. To be admitted to the Island, you must check into the visitor center, where they run an FBI background check. No felonies allowed and you must be a US citizen. Visa's and green cards are not allowed in. Canadians are not allowed in. The army makes the rules!! At least the visitor's pass is good for one year.
 
Do you think the curator or who ever is in charge of preservation for these last few generations comes in and oils them every week or month. The bluing on that #1 is so nice.....
 
murf said:
thanks for the explanation. sounds like you go there a lot.

murf
Click to expand...
I am there every day, I work there as a volunteer.
DustyGmt said:
Do you think the curator or who ever is in charge of preservation for these last few generations comes in and oils them every week or month. The bluing on that #1 is so nice.....
Click to expand...
The Directors name is Patrick Allie. We do no maintenance on the guns. None is required. The weapons wall is kept at 68 degrees and 20% humidity year round. We inventory quarterly and we do inspect every gun for signs of trouble as we go. Some of the guns on display are beyond saving, but we still keep them because they are quite rare or have historical significance. Our first model FG-42 is such a gun. The bolt is rusted shut and the receiver is cracked, but because they are so rare it is displayed. The ATF has 26 transferable FG-42s in their registry. A second model ( We have two of those ) sold at auction two years ago for $298,000 and it was missing the magazine! Don't think the buyer planned on shooting it anyway.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

P
  • Locked
Springfield 03 low serial number ?
Replies
6
Views
596
Sunray
S
K
  • Locked
1903 or 1903 A3 ?
Replies
15
Views
1K
Khornet
K
M
  • Locked
Low numbered Springfield 1903
2
Replies
27
Views
3K
kragluver
K
J
  • Locked
Springfield 1903 safety issues?
Replies
3
Views
2K
dfariswheel
D
Sapper771
  • Locked
RIA 1903 find with Question.
Replies
17
Views
831
tahunua001
tahunua001
Back
Top