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1903 Springfield w Warner & Swazey Site
Country Guns
Member Posts: 88 ✭✭
I have in my hands a rifle marked, US Rock Island Arsenal Model 1903, Serial Number 215XX with the barrel marked RIA, Flaming Bomb, L-06 and 18 (18 is Underlined). It has the mount for the Warner & Swazey Optical Musket Site and I also have the site in good condition. The stock has the boxed FJA and crossed canons on the left wrist, circled-P aft of the trigger guard, an M between the circled-P and the trigger guard, and before the trigger guard a circled 8, boxed 7, diamond 7, and triangle E. The rifle bore looks very good and there is some rust/corrosion on the rear sights and front sight, and sling swivel. The rifle is complete and looks very good.
I intend on posting this rifle and site on GB, but would like your advice as to the minimum acceptable bid and what they might bring.
Thanks in advance.
I intend on posting this rifle and site on GB, but would like your advice as to the minimum acceptable bid and what they might bring.
Thanks in advance.
Comments
WWI sniper rifles were assembled by Springfield Armory, & they used Springfield Armory rifles. The serial # should be stamped in the side mounting recess of the scope. In any case, Col Frank J. Atwood was an inspector 1942-1946, so the stock came from a WWII rifle. With holes drilled in the receiver, value of the rifle is now < $100, although, if the stock is unmutilated, it may be worth more.
You may want to sell the scope & base separately. There were 2 models of W&S scopes - Model 1908 & Model 1913, plus variations of each. There were also several mount variations; you may not even have a USGI mount. You may want to invest in a book. Or, once you have photos, ask the guys on the 1903 forum at www.jouster.com for help identifying the scope & mount; besides, these are the guys who you want to have bidding on it.
Value depends upon the exact model, condition, & the quality of your photographs. I agree with Perry Shooter; don't play games with your listing, & you will get a fair price.
Neal
It values them from $1700 to $6750 depending on overall condition. Also noting that the scopes were originally numbered to specific rifles, but the scopes were also sold separately as surplus, after the war.
I most definitely would not sell this extremely rare US sniper rifle, in a unreserved auction unless my starting bid price reflected the above values.
The Warner & Swazey Telescopic Sight is a Model of 1913 and is a real work of art. If you have never held one in your hands, you are certainly missing a little something. I would love to shoot this combination, but hesitate to do so.
Many Thanks,
Dave