1903 Springfield National Match w/ Type B Stock Value

[DIBBS]

I inherited this rifle a few years back, and it is a somewhat rare configuration. I am contemplating / considering selling it. There is not a lot of reference information available for pricing on Gunbroker. I did find this

http://ww2.rediscov.com/spring/VFPCG...TABASE=objects

that provides some infomation in general about the rifle.

A couple of years ago I chatted with a gentleman on the 1903 Forum, and determined a ballpark value for the rifle. What would be the best way to have the rifle appraised for current value, and a good place to sell something like this? Thanks.

Will try to post a picture or two tomorrow.

 

[sandwarrior]

According to this website: https://gun-data.com/springfield_model_1903.html there were only 195 of them converted. hard to put a definitive price on that, But, REALLY COOL piece!

 

[NukeMMC]

I sold a 1903NM (129xxxx serial, engine turned bolt, pj ohare sight covers, star gauged barrel) at auction 3 years ago and only got $2000. Hazards of selling at auction. The NM M1 got $4K.

 

[DIBBS]

I sold a 1903NM (129xxxx serial, engine turned bolt, pj ohare sight covers, star gauged barrel) at auction 3 years ago and only got $2000. Hazards of selling at auction. The NM M1 got $4K.

Nuke MMC, the rough value we calculated a few years ago was $28-3200. I did find a site last night after I posted, with a couple auctions for pristine versions that went for 3-5K. I guess it depends on how badly someone wants to add one to their collection. Thanks for the info. IIt looks like to get the letter of authentication would be around $100, I meant to do that some time ago, although it was confirmed as a NM by folks much more knowledgeable than me.

Sandwarrior thank you for the link, I have not seen that before! Serial number 1,273,7XX puts it in the 1926 year of manufacture I believe.

 

[sandwarrior]

Dibbs,

1926 is good. As I was plunking around reading up on these I also found a website that said these were coverted/made in 1925-1926.

As an aside, I also spent a couple hours checking out GunBroker. The average price for a rarity like yours ran from high $3K to $6K range. With one guy trying to sell a 1903T for $22K. Literally, none of the unusual pieces had a bid on them at those prices.

It would seem to me that since Lyman and Williams both made that exact sight, it would be easy to copy. Therefore, a letter would not only be necessary to get a correct value on it, it would also be useful as an advertising tool.

 

[DIBBS]

From the Mil-Surp forum, one collector stated on the topic of old Springfield rifles, that he felt you recouped the $ at sale time for getting the letter of authenticity. Unfortunately I can not find the old emails with the information that a gentleman provided me on the history and description. I'll try and share some pictures later.

 

[pmclaine]

Thing about that rifle is the Type B stock.

Type C stocks are plentiful but I've never seen a Type B.

If you go to the CMP Forums and post pics in the bolt rifle section John Beard will give you an education on your rifle.

 

[DIBBS]

I saw reference to John Beards name on another forum. Thank you for the information and recommendation!

 

[pmclaine]

I saw reference to John Beards name on another forum. Thank you for the information and recommendation!

Interested to hear what you learn.

John Beard is the man on 03s. He grades guns for the CMP.

 

[DIBBS]

Not the greatest photos, but here you go...

 

[pmclaine]

Yes to me that is a special rifle and I'm guessing you are in the solid $3000 range.

Thats My enthusiast guess. I wouldn't be surprised if it goes higher.

I may be way off but that is gut feeling.

Please post those pictures at the CMP forum....

http://forums.thecmp.org/forumdisplay.php?f=79

Ill enjoy the conversation regarding that rifle.

Its one I'd love to own and I'm thinking it shoots great.

 

[pmclaine]

Reverse safety, headless cocking piece, probably has special parts in addition to reduce lock time.

If it's all Springfield catalog wares you have a time capsule.

What sort of history do you know of it?

Was it a family piece?

The B stock is not as functional or aesthetic as a C stock but it is rare. I've not seen one.

The heavy checkered butt plate with door is cool also as well typical for its build.

 

[pmclaine]

Get some pictures of the rear sight and the bolt rails. I'm sure both are polished.

The NM rifles had some sort of asphaltic varnish finish on the receivers. Very few had it survive through years of use yours looks fresh.

 

[pmclaine]

I'm interested now to see how far off I am in my guessing.

Ill be surprised if this rifle serial is not in the published SRS books as a sales rifle.

That info is usually freely provided by guys on the CMP forum that have the volumes handy.

 

[DIBBS]

pmclaine- Rifle was owned by my wife's Great Uncle, he served overseas in WWII. He was a lifetime NRA member, an avid hunter and shooter, and an accomplished smallbore competitor, and quite the wingshooter as well.. I have a Rifleman's Log Book also that I will try and add a photo with these, but I am technologically challenged most of the time.

I believe it was used in some rifle competitions based on the log book. I have never shot the rifle, take it out of lockup occasionally to wipe it down and imagine what stories it might have to tell. Unfortunately before Larry passed away, I did not discuss the rifle or his use of it, or even know that he had it.

 

[sandwarrior]

Dibbs,

Nice photos actually. A couple of the 1903's I was looking at the the night had that same looking sight. The way the knobs are knurled would be paramount to seeing if it was authentic.

The sad part with some of them is they may have been something special at one time, but the stocks were cut way back. The upper handguards removed and the barrel band modified to fit. And the guy still wanted full collector price. I don't get so upset that people modify something like what you have, just disappointed if they did it and knew better. It's a piece of history that doesn't need a new chapter. That said, I come across quite a few cool pieces that have been modified. Some work better, some don't.

 

[pmclaine]

Yes I think the sight is a catalog item. Springfield would have installed it.

Lots of commercial gun makers disliked the fact they had to compete with the govt for sales.

This is not a "sported" or doctored rifle. I think your uncle ordered what at the time was a top of the line competition rifle.

John Beard, John Beard, John Beard.....

He will tell you how full of BS I am or am not.

Im talking above my actual knowledge base, only from interest.

 

[DIBBS]

Waaaaay Older than me, and I'm almost dirt. I'm not sure if log book is for this rifle- neat stuff though.

 

[pmclaine]

With your With permission permission Id like to make a post at the CMP forum and link this post.

Im interested to find out if your Springfield is as neat as I think it is but than again I think all Springfields are neat.

 

[DIBBS]

Awesome photos pmclaine!

 

[pmclaine]

Lets see what kind of information this reels in....

http://forums.thecmp.org/showthread.php?p=1656214#post1656214

 

[pmclaine]

Awesome photos pmclaine!

Note the difference in the pistol grips.

Mine is a C stock - plenty of those out there.

Yours is the B stock as you already know. Ive never seen one and I look at my share of 03s.

Top gun is Springfield M2 by the way ----- .22 caliber.

 

[pmclaine]

and your family member was a shooter.

Hes blasting 1000 yards at the old V target.

 

[pmclaine]

Looking for full serial at CMP so they can check SRS books.

 

[DIBBS]

Looking for full serial at CMP so they can check SRS books.

1273730, yes the bolt is engraved with serial number.

 

[pmclaine]

They like it at CMP.

Its listed in the SRS books as a sales rifle sold to the gentleman named in your rifle data book.

A real piece of classic shooting history there.

I note the log book is for a scoped rifle though. Your Uncle certainly was deeply involved in his sport.