Springfield 1903 Advise

[Springfield45]

I am looking at buying a Springfield 1903 Mk1 rifle. It is in used but excellent shape. The barrel is marked with a 1918 manufacture date and serial number puts it made in 1919. It is considered a high serial (1,088,xxx)number and safe to shoot. First year production of the Mk1 variant.The bore is bright and shinny. It appears to be in all original condition with original leather sling dated 1918 and butt stock cleaning tube/oiler. The story is the original owner bought his rifle after leaving the army, and then left it to his son who is now selling it. Asking price is $899. Sorry no pictures to show. Is this a good price? Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

[littlejake]

IMO, it is a little high for the Springfield. Now, if it had papers to prove the provenance, it would be worth the asking price.

[Milsurp Collector]

It's in the ballpark

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=161283696

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=160707596

If the sling is original it's worth at least $100 by itself http://cgi.ebay.com/1903-Springfield...item335ca5cce9

It will come down to condition and originality, which means you'll have to handle it and make a decision. If it is original (not arsenal refurbished) and the metal and wood are in very good or better condition, and includes an original sling, I would be very tempted. I would still try to get the price down a little but if he didn't budge I'd probably still get it.

[kendog4570]

I am looking at buying a Springfield 1903 Mk1 rifle. It is in used but excellent shape. The barrel is marked with a 1918 manufacture date and serial number puts it made in 1919. It is considered a high serial (1,088,xxx)number and safe to shoot. First year production of the Mk1 variant.The bore is bright and shinny. It appears to be in all original condition with original leather sling dated 1918 and butt stock cleaning tube/oiler. The story is the original owner bought his rifle after leaving the army, and then left it to his son who is now selling it. Asking price is $899. Sorry no pictures to show. Is this a good price? Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

I could be worth a bit more than the asking price if it has the original Mk 1 parts.


Trigger and cutoff:


Stock with ejection port relief:


Original finish:


What is the code stamped on the bolt? It should be a letter-dash-number code like J-5 or similar on the top or underside of the bolt safety lug:


Note that originally these rifles were not parkerized. They were blued and/or heat-treated blue/black finish. Parkerizing was done to Mk 1's during the arsenal rebuilding process.

I am not 100% sure, but I don't believe any personal equipment was sold off directly to soldiers. I'm sure a bit of the stuff out there was "liberated" in one way or another, or sold as surplus through the DCM. Unless it is a late, parts put-together, it's in the ballpark for an intact 03.
Pictures would be really helpful.

[Springfield45]

Thanks for the advise everyone. I have started the paperwork to get it. It will get a place of honor with my other US Springfield's. Now I just need to find a 1903A3.