Old Gun Sleeve....03 Springfield?

[painter777]

Found this in a good friends Fathers' WWII belongings. His Father only kept his WWII keep sakes in that trunk. His father had the lucky job of driving a gasolene truck to keep Pattons army moving.
The case is a Khaki color. With the leather flap closed it measures 46" long and 8" at it widest point. The extra material is doubled up, to reinforce where a bolt,mag or rear sights would wear on the case. The D tip on the carry strap along with the square keeper and D rings attached to the case are blackened brass. The middle bar on the keeper is the raised type. The leather flap has been torn or a mouse had a field day. I can find no markings on the case or the hardware, but I'm not sure where to look for any remnant of any stamped on markings. The carry strap looks just like WWII slings and the sewing, where reinforced looks like GI.
I was in a hurry....please excuse the quality of the pics.
Any ideas?

http://www.milsurps.com/images/imported/2009/03/DSC02119-1.jpg
http://www.milsurps.com/images/imported/2009/03/DSC02120-1.jpg
http://www.milsurps.com/images/imported/2009/03/DSC02121-1.jpg
http://www.milsurps.com/images/imported/2009/03/DSC02122-1.jpg
http://www.milsurps.com/images/imported/2009/03/DSC02123-1.jpg
http://www.milsurps.com/images/imported/2009/03/DSC02124-1.jpg
http://www.milsurps.com/images/imported/2009/03/DSC02125-1.jpg
http://www.milsurps.com/images/imported/2009/03/DSC02126-1.jpg
http://www.milsurps.com/images/imported/2009/03/DSC02128-1.jpg
http://www.milsurps.com/images/imported/2009/03/DSC02127-1.jpg

TIA
For any Help

Regards
Charlie-painter777

[Paul-In-Oregon]

Hi Charlie,

That's a Model 1916 case for the Springfield and M1917 Enfield. They're pretty scarce, as are the following ones distinguished by a canvas vs. leather closure flap. They are referred to as Model 1918. - Both saw extensive use by the military in the field and as issue for NM & target model rifles. I've hoarded a few; some too purty to use, and others like yours, which is perfect for use and or display.

Two World Wars and everything between and after, have pretty well sucked 'em all up.

A very nice find, and glad you got it !!

Best regards,
Paul Walker
Klamath Falls, Oregon

[Rick the Librarian]

Hi, Charlie,

Nice to see you over on the M1903 forum. Thanks for all your help with the M1 carbine parts.

RtL

[Johnny Peppers]

Was at a gun show a few years back, and the guy across the aisle was pulling lever action Winchesters out of canvas cases. Walked over to look, and all were the M1916 cases. Wouldn't sell a one though.

[Jim Tarleton]

Nice find. You are lucky.

Jim