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US M1913 combination arms rack
oldWinchesterfan
Member Posts: 1,052 ✭✭✭
I recently acquired an all original and complete (except for the padlocks) Model 1913 barracks rack. I believe this was the first all metal barracks rack developed for the US military. I found a little information on page 329 of the book Springfield 1903 Rifles by Brophy and there is a sketch on page 332. I have yet to find any more information on the internet or in my books.
It's designed to hold 20 1903 Springfields and 20 revolvers or M1911s. The 28 inch, cast iron bottom ring has sockets for the rifle butt stocks. The center is a heavy iron pipe. The top ring is a single unit that holds the end of the rifle barels and the handguns sit muzzle down in the top of the ring. There are separate locking rings for the rifle barrels and and handgun trigger guards, each requiring a padlock to secure. It weighs 116 pounds and cleaned up pretty nicely.
There has been a barracks rack running on the auction side that I think is a M1920. The M1920 would have two rings at the top, one to hold and lock rifle barrels and one for the hand guns. The one for sale does not have the handgun ring with it.
https://www.GunBroker.com/item/772052295
Here are my questions--
--Are these things sort of rare? I would have thought we made thousands of these but can't find even a picture of a M1913 on the internet, much less a sale listing.
--Who made these? US arsenals or contractors?
Any other information or sources of info would be appreciated.
It's designed to hold 20 1903 Springfields and 20 revolvers or M1911s. The 28 inch, cast iron bottom ring has sockets for the rifle butt stocks. The center is a heavy iron pipe. The top ring is a single unit that holds the end of the rifle barels and the handguns sit muzzle down in the top of the ring. There are separate locking rings for the rifle barrels and and handgun trigger guards, each requiring a padlock to secure. It weighs 116 pounds and cleaned up pretty nicely.
There has been a barracks rack running on the auction side that I think is a M1920. The M1920 would have two rings at the top, one to hold and lock rifle barrels and one for the hand guns. The one for sale does not have the handgun ring with it.
https://www.GunBroker.com/item/772052295
Here are my questions--
--Are these things sort of rare? I would have thought we made thousands of these but can't find even a picture of a M1913 on the internet, much less a sale listing.
--Who made these? US arsenals or contractors?
Any other information or sources of info would be appreciated.
Comments
From my personal experience fleabay, would be the best place to research and/or sell. The arms rack.
Demand is what dictates value. 2 or more bidders, competing for a item, etc. IMHO, because of size and weight of the arms rack, not a easy sell. An advanced US military collector. Who has a substantial vault/arms room, would be the best prospect.
From my personal experience fleabay, would be the best place to research and/or sell. The arms rack.
Well, mine is not for sale, I'm not trying to sell it and I don't care what the value is. I'm happy to have it and it's staying here. I'm just trying to learn more about it.
BTW, you are correct about just needing bidders. Rock Island sold a M1920 with both the rifle and pistol rings in April 2013 for $1,492, unsure if that included the 18.5% buyer's premium.