1917 parts maker ?

[Shake Rag]

I was wondering if anyone has a reference to the different makers of parts used in the 1917. I have parts marked "UA", "EN", and "MSP". I know the major markings were "E", "R", and "W". Thanks

[Tom in N.J.]

No, I don't have a listing of sub-contractors / parts suppliers for the M1917 rifles. But, you can ad USMC (bolts) to your list, that one I know, it is United Shoe Machinery Corp.

[Doug Rammel]

According to Farris the EN on a striker or C'cking piece is Eddystone. The other original parts were made at the 3 manufacturing plants and marked E, R or W.

I have a WW II bolt body marked with a flaming bomb and a K. I don't know who made it.

Johnson Automatic made replacement barrels.

As far as I know there is no list of sub contractors for replacement parts.

Doug

[Dan Wilson]

K will be Kingsbury Machine Tool Corp. of Keene NH

Dan

[Shake Rag]

Thanks guys. As Doug stated, the EN is on the cocking piece. It was just a question I put out there trying to get this forum going. I hope once individuals see the wealth of info out there we can be a real center of info. Now all I have to do is find another 17 to broaden my knowledge. LOL.

[chuckindenver]

EN is a Eddystone mark, K is Keefer machine as well. they made bolts.
RIA is Rockisland {barrels} HS High Standard, Barrels.
NS is Nickle Steel, {Winchester}
MSO Midvale Steel Ordnance {handguards}

[chuckindenver]

forgot..MBL Milton Bradly stocks and handguards. sometimes just a M on the tip or under the buttplate.
the W for Winchester will have serrifs

[Calif-Steve]

"K" bolts are indeed Kingsbury bolts. They are not nickel steel and actaully run very well in the nickel steel '17 receiver.

[KarlKW]

Wow, The thought of fine bourbon almost made me forget what I was about to ask... I have a rear hand guard with the initials "RVS" stamped into it. Who made this guard, does anyone know? The letters are small, closely spaced, and are on the outside surface of the hand guard. They are located at the front of the guard, almost between the two rivets. There are no marks or letters on the inside of the guard. Thanks in advance for any information that can be provided. Karl

[Dan Wilson]

Those letters would have to be from some previous user, as far as I know that's not a manufactures mark, but I do recall a couple others in the past have mentioned that stamp as well.

As to the make of the handguard, if there is no E,R or W, the only way you can distinguish between Winchester and Remington/Eddystone is rivet placement, and lacking a mark you cannot tell Remington from Eddystone.

Dan

[bordercav]

Not to worry, I have a front handguard stamped what looks like RVS or SAH, depending on how I look at it, the light, etc. It is very faint, but now makes me wonder. It is a light walnut by the way.