2020 September Premier, Volume I

One of the Finest Known Springfield Model 1903 Rod Bayonet Rifles
316
LOT 385
Extremely Rare ‘Serial Number 24’ U.S. Springfield Model 1903 Rod
Bayonet Bolt Action Rifle - Serial no. 24, 30-03 cal., 24 inch round bbl.,
blue finish, walnut stock. This is the one of the finest examples of an extremely
rare, first weeks production, serial number 24, U.S. Springfield Model 1903 Rod Bayonet rifle that
was manufactured in 1903. This outstanding rifle is all original, in as issued condition, retains its
original rod bayonet configuration, and is still chambered in the original .30-03 cartridge. Between
November 1903 and January 1905, Springfield Armory manufactured approximately 74,000
Model 1903 rifles in the distinctive rod bayonet configuration. Several hundred Rod Bayonet
Model 1903 rifles were issued to the corps of cadets at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point
and to some regular army units in Alaska, and a few rifles were provided to some state governors
and small arms and ammunition manufacturers. However, before the rod bayonet Model 1903
rifles became general issue to the rest of the Army and state militia, President Theodore Roosevelt
examined a rod bayonet Model 1903 and notified the Chief of Ordnance that “I think that ramrod
bayonet about as poor an invention as I ever saw.” On January 11, 1905, the Chief of Ordnance
stopped all production of Rod Bayonet rifles and immediately proceeded to redesign the rifle
to accept a 16-inch knife bayonet. The approximately 74,000 Model 1903 rod bayonet rifles
produced prior to January 11, 1905, both still at Springfield Arsenal, those issued to regular army
units, the West Point cadets, as well as some of those supplied to various state governors, were
subsequently modified to accept the Model 1905 Bayonet. Experts today estimate that fewer
than 100 original Model 1903 rod bayonet rifles escaped modification to the 1905 configuration,
with many now being in public museums and only a few original unaltered examples actually
in private collections. An original, unmodified Model 1903 rod bayonet rifle is one of the rarest
and most difficult to obtain of all U.S. martial arms. This rifle still retains its original blue finish on
the barrel, front and rear sight bases, barrel bands, trigger guard and floor plate, and the original
oil-quenched, casehardened finish on the receiver. The top of the receiver is roll-stamped in fourlines
with serifed letters as follows: “U.S./SPRINGFIELD/ARMORY/MODEL 1903” over serial number
“24”. The markings on the cut-off and safety lock also utilize serifed letters. The barrel is correctly
not marked or dated and is fitted with the special one-piece front sight base, with the double
holes through the base, single locating pin through the center of the base, and the early style
rear sight base with Model 1902 Krag rear sight with peep plate. The base pins on the rear sight
base and the front sight stud are milled flush with the sight base, and both retain their original
arsenal blued finish; neither the rear sight base or the front sight stud have ever been removed
from the barrel. The bolt has the correct/original arsenal polished body with blued handle and
fiery niter blue extractor. It is fitted with the second version safety lock that has a more squared
off shape and the serifed letters as adopted in 1904 and fitted to most rod bayonet Model 1903
rifles. It has been subsequently fitted with the upgraded second variation bolt sleeve that is blued
with a dark, casehardened finish on the safety lock and cocking piece. The “ON” side of the cutoff
is polished bright. In addition to the distinctive 23 1/2 inch rod bayonet, the rifle has special
bayonet stud and catch, special upper barrel band with flat-sided stacking swivel, one-piece
lower barrel band, smooth buttplate with small, Krag style trap with assembly number (81) on the
inside. It has the smooth, pointed trigger. The follower is the second style with curved front end.
The rifle has the early 1901 style trigger guard installed on some rod bayonet rifles that allows the
rifle to fire when the trigger is pushed forward from
behind. This rifle still retains it original beautiful black walnut
stock and handguard, with both having their original oil finish.
The stock lacks the reinforcing bolts found on later production
Model 1903 rifles and, the left side of the stock wrist is stamped
with the final inspection mark consisting of the script initials
“JSA” over the date “1903” within a rectangle. A small number
“8” sub-inspection mark and an encircled, script “P” proof mark
are stamped on the underside of the stock behind the trigger
guard. The rifle still retains its original and very distinctive flat
handguard with the internal spring clip attached by two rivets.
CONDITION: Excellent with 98% plus of the original blued and
oil-quenched casehardened finish remain overall, with just a
hint of blue flaking on the trigger guard and floorplate. The
stock and hand guard are also both in excellent condition,
retaining a beautiful matching medium brown color overall
with crisp cartouches and proofs. The only notable marks are a couple of very minor, light
pressure dents on the left side; one directly behind the cartouche and a second one directly in
front of the buttplate. (The middle barrel band also has marred the stock). This is one of the finest
U.S. Model 1903 Rod Bayonet rifle that we have ever had the privilege to offer for sale. The superb
condition and originality of this rifle is impeccable and would be difficult to improve upon or
upgraded! Certainly for the discriminating, high end collector that wants an early extraordinary
U.S. Springfield Model 1903 ramrod bayonet rifle for their collection.
Estimate: 40000 - 60000