Rock Island 1915 Stamped Stock

[Singer B]

Is it possible to have a Rock Island 1903 stamped with script "CN 1915" on the left wrist of the stock? I was reading that they stopped making then around 1913 and this rifle is distinctly stamped CN 1915. Thank you!

[John Beard]

While I suppose it's possible, it's very highly unlikely authentic. According to my extensive data bases, the last pre-WWI stamps were dated 1913 and the earliest WWI stamps were dated 1917. Rock Island resumed making rifle parts in late 1916 in anticipation of U.S. entry into WWI.

If the rifle sitting in the stock is an RIA, please oblige us with the serial number and barrel date. Also, is the stock marked beneath the wrist with an encircled "P" proof mark and is the "P" a script letter or a block letter? Also, does the stock have any markings in the cutoff recess and, if so, please describe. And what marking, if any, appears on the stock fore end tip?

J.B.

[Singer B]

Sorry this took so long. I have been working 4 jobs and all have been pretty busy! I have attached a couple of photos including the stamp and the serial number. I should have thought of looking up the manufacturing date via the serial number (lesson learned!). While pulling the photos up, I think I may have read it wrong and it could be the correct 1913. If so, that would lead to my asking, if it is the correct date, does the stamp look genuine? Thank you!

[John Beard]

The inspection stamp has a 1913 date that has been boogered up to look like 1915. One can only speculate who or how it got boogered up. The inspection stamp and serial number match. Your rifle's receiver, however, appears to have been buffed and re-blued. Thanks for taking the time to make and post pictures!

J.B.

[Singer B]

The inspection stamp has a 1913 date that has been boogered up to look like 1915. One can only speculate who or how it got boogered up. The inspection stamp and serial number match. Your rifle's receiver, however, appears to have been buffed and re-blued. Thanks for taking the time to make and post pictures!

J.B.

Thank you for the analysis and information. I think I'm going to pass on this rifle and wait for a more genuine example.

[Singer B]

Just as a follow-up, this rifle was sold at auction for $1,000.

[browningautorifle]

this rifle was sold at auction for $1,000.

I wonder if the buyer thinks he got a bargain on an original as issued?

[Singer B]

I wonder if the buyer thinks he got a bargain on an original as issued?

In today's market, 1k is a bargain on almost any 1903 rifle haha! The others went for 750 to 1200, so the prices weren't too bad. Maybe prices are starting to come down?