Smith Corona A3 restored or original

[Bearcat132]

I just purchased a Smith Corona SN 48007XX with an SC 10-43 Barrel, the only markings are as follows, the bolt handle has a smallish "x" on top and a large "1" on the bottom , the extractor has a large "S' on the bottom , the front sight base has a "G" on the right side , the stock has the F JA and crossed cannon on the left side, also a square 12 ,triangle 4, circle 5, and a diamond 8 forward of the trigger assembly, there is also an "E" at the very end of the stock where it houses the upper band. I spent the good part of the day removing the cosmoline , I could not take the rifle completely apart for fear of stripping the rear trigger guard screw which would not budge. The seller claims it was from an estate . My question is it one of those rebuilds by Gibbs or the ones SARCO or AIM sells ? The price I paid was $605.00 I am no expert. But it looks pristine and unused. I am happy either way yet the more I look the more I believe it might be an original. I have not fired it yet(Bad weather) I am interested in your input . I can try to post better pictures if needed.

Here is the gunbroker link to the auction :
Smith-Corona 03-A3, Very nice : Bolt Action Rifles at GunBroker.com

Information

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[emmagee1917]

Sounds original to me . Need pics and lots of them to see for sure .
Chris

[Allen Humphrey]

The auction pictures are really small, but I think you did very well. I thought maybe there was a weld at the cut-off, but zooming in makes me think there was just a big goober of cosmo. Is there any markings on the cut-off lever? Look at the side. Any punch mark between the F's on "off"? Does the safety lever have any markings and are the letters on both sides serifed? is there a weep hole in it? Stock looks factory fresh. Any markings on the sling/stacking bands? I can't see the butt-plate. More detailed pics would help.

Might be original as issued. If so, you did really well. More informed experts may prove me wrong.

[Bearcat132]

Will try to post pictures tomorrow photo bucket is taking forever to upload.

[mike radford]

The pictures are not so good but from what can be seen you did really well. Nice rifle. Is there an OG anywhere on the stock? Congratulations.

[Calif-Steve]

Really can't tell from the photos, but it may be in a Remington stock. Not sure, looks nice in the photos.

[Rick the Librarian]

Based on the back there is a "diamond" forward of the trigger guard, the stock is most likely a Smith Corona.

[JGaynor]

Based on the back there is a "diamond" forward of the trigger guard, the stock is most likely a Smith Corona.

Rick also the leading edge of the notch for the rear band retaining spring appears to be rounded rather than square. I agree . SC stock.
Possibly one of the unused or lightly used DCM rifles sold off in the '60's.

[Bearcat132]

I finally got around to removing the stubborn stock bolt and the rifle is not a recovered drill rifle but an original SC 1903A3. I then spent the next 2 hours removing the remaining 2 pounds of cosmoline generously slathered in the magazine and trigger areas. There was a yellow chalk like mark on the bottom of the receiver. The other worry I had was the stock not being original but the stock insides look very antique and not of new manufacture. Just an update on an old thread.

[Rick the Librarian]

$605 for a mostly correct/original SC 03A3 is a very good buy!