Mannlicher-Schroenauer M1903/14

[JAG2955]

So I have recently come into possession of a slightly sporterized Greek M1903/14 rifle. It is in a model 1903 stock, I have learned, which was cut just ahead of the rear barrel band. It is missing the top handguard and the front bayonet lug/barrel band. If I could find a stock for cheap, I'd probably restore it to military configuration, but I understand that they can get expensive. Front barrel bands are only $20.

Here's where it gets interesting. There are no markings on this gun other than a serial number AA44XX, and on top of the receiver with Y:1903/14. There is no manufacturer's mark, or year manufactured. There is no crest of any type on the receiver. The bolt is mismatched, and is greek.

It is in decent condition, some pitting along where the upper and lower handguards would meet, and some rough handling marks on the receiver. The bore still has good rifling, though the grooves are dark. I broke my only cleaning rod, and still have not replaced it, so the only thing that I have done is run a boresnake through it a few times.

I'm wondering why there is no date/manufacturer/crest on this rifle. Also, if possible, I'd like to know about how much it is worth.

 

[SDC]

No idea what it's worth, but these rifles (and their carbine versions) were built for Greece by both Steyr (in Austria) and Breda (in Italy), so it should be one of the two (Steyr may just be marked with a "bullseye"-style symbol). The ones I've seen normally have a plain-looking cross in a crest on the receiver ring, though, so that's odd.

 

[JAG2955]

SDC, there's no manufacturer's markings at all. The strangest thing is, it looks like it was never stamped, because the metal is very smooth and uniform where the stamps should be. The left side of the receiver where either Steyr or Breda and the date would be is completely blank.

 

[JAG2955]

Let's see if I can post some pics....





(Ignore the utilities in the background, I had just gotten off work, and had to take the pics with my webcam, since my camera's broken.)

 

[SDC]

Bizarre; that's a new one on me.

 

[JCF]

http://gunboards.com/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=77527

According to a poster over at gunboards.com, it appears that some earlier Greek '03s were in fact uncrested (although he seems to be of the impression that this was the case only until about 1913 or so). Perhaps this may explain your rifle.