Use of cut-off levers

[cwbuff]

There are different types of cut-off levers varying in lettering and finish. Is there any data on what was used when - particularly in the transition years?

Information

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[Rick the Librarian]

John Beard would be able to help, but here are a few details I know:

1) Both Rock Island and Springfield used serif lettering during early production. Sometime about 1915 or so, Springfield changed to "block" letters; Rock Island continued using serif lettering until the end of production.

2) Remington (since they used Rock Island machinery) used serif letters on their cutoffs through the end of production. There is a small "R" stamp on their cutoffs.

3) Smith-Corona used block lettering on their cutoffs.

John or someone else might be able to fill you in on the finish. I believe at some point during the interwar years, Springfield switched over to one "bright" polished side of their cutoffs (I think it was the ON side).

[cwbuff]

Thanks for the prompt reply. Any idea on how long the "mixed" serif and non-serif cut-off were installed?

I have some information in JC Harrison's book. But I understand that it contains many errors. That said, it is the only book I have seen that has any information regarding the finish of the cut-off levers. I was hoping some recent research has been done on it.

[Rick the Librarian]

If you mean the ones that were "bright" on one side, I THINK the 1930s.

[cwbuff]

No sorry for the confusion. Look at the pic below. Both cutoffs have letters with serifs. The one on the left is blued/black with the "ON" face polished bright (now oxidized a bit). The one on the right has a finish which looks like case hardening with little or no color (i.e., not blued). I have seen these on early 1903 rifles. In Harrison's book he calls these "water quenched casehardened." Knowing of some issues with his book, my question is an inquiry on any recent research on these cutoffs. Thanks.

[Rick the Librarian]

You might check with John Beard on that - as I said in my first post, I know a little bit, but only enough to get myself in trouble!

[RCS]

This is the only cut-off that I have ever seen with a revision marking - used in some late production 1903A1 riflesAttachment 43244

[cwbuff]

I have a safety with a "4" marking. I'm not sure what it refers to.

[cwbuff]

I consulted my copy of Colvin and Viall published in 1917. It describes, from an engineering perspective, the step-by-step process of manufacturing all the parts of the M1903. At that time, the cut-off was definitely "water quenched casehardened". Bluing or blackening of the cut-offs came later.

[Randy A]

I was under the impression that polishing the one side was a unit level (armorer) thing.