Daniel T
Member
My grandfather just gave me a Rock Island Arsenal M1903, serial 424XXX. It is in great shape, with all of two tiny dings on the stock. The blueing is a little worn on the receiver, but the barrel, sights, and trigger/guard are perfect. The barrel is stamped "S A" "9 28" (Springfield Armory barrel?). The bomb stamping is clean and deep, as is the date, so I don't think it's been refinished. The stock has a "P" stamp on the underside of the shoulder stock. I'm assuming it's been rearsenalled, since the receiver was made in 1922 and the barrel was made in 1928? Is this correct?
He's had it in his collection for over 40 years. It's actually a little sad, since, at age 88, I think that he thinks he's not going to be around much longer. I personally think he'll live to be a great-grandfather. It was a poignant moment when he handed his Remington-Rand 1911A1 "bring-back" (he was a SeaBee) and told me that I'd get when he passed away. I had to choke back tears when I told him that I hoped I wouldn't see it for a long, long time.
He's had it in his collection for over 40 years. It's actually a little sad, since, at age 88, I think that he thinks he's not going to be around much longer. I personally think he'll live to be a great-grandfather. It was a poignant moment when he handed his Remington-Rand 1911A1 "bring-back" (he was a SeaBee) and told me that I'd get when he passed away. I had to choke back tears when I told him that I hoped I wouldn't see it for a long, long time.
