Remington 1903a3 questions

[gfguns]

I was at the Louisville Ky gun show yesterday and saw an alledged Remington 1903a3 wrapped in green paper that had grease between it and the rifle. The box had a Railway Express bill on it and also a serial number. The owner will not remove the paper but is positive the rifle is new. From reading Bruce Canfields book I was lead to believe that the new unissued pieces sold through the NRA/DCM/CMP were not wrapped in grease but rather the arsenal rebuilds were for long term storage. Feedback/opinions would be appreciated. Greg

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[JGaynor]

I was at the Louisville Ky gun show yesterday and saw an alledged Remington 1903a3 wrapped in green paper that had grease between it and the rifle. The box had a Railway Express bill on it and also a serial number. The owner will not remove the paper but is positive the rifle is new. From reading Bruce Canfields book I was lead to believe that the new unissued pieces sold through the NRA/DCM/CMP were not wrapped in grease but rather the arsenal rebuilds were for long term storage. Feedback/opinions would be appreciated. Greg

Back in the 60's I got an A3 thru the DCM wrapped in (I believe) cheesecloth soaked in cosmoline. Once I cleaned it up it looked "new" or "unissued". But it has an OG stamp on the butt and its a Smith Corona with a Remington bolt.

The seller can't know if the rifle is new without opening it and inspecting it.

A lot depends on how much he is asking for it. If the price is not outlandish it might just be worth taking a chance. But if he has some nutball idea about the value you should walk away unless he opens it up.

Grease is worth zip!

Regards

Jim

[Johnny Peppers]

Several years back a friend bought an "unissued new in the wrap" Ithaca 1911A1 pistol at a Houston show. The seller cautioned my friend not to remove the grease and paper wrapping as this would ruin the value of the pistol. Later that night my friend began to question the wisdom of buying a pistol that he couldn't see the finish, so he unwrapped and cleaned the pistol to find an arsenal refinished pistol. Bright an early the next morning he was back at the show to return the pistol.

[Calif-Steve]

When I was in High School my Dad ordered a DCM '03-A3 for me. It came REA and was bone dry. It was a nice re-built Remington and I still have it. Arsenal new, no, but very nice.

[gfguns]

Thanks Jim, Johnny & Steve, The asking price is $1,500.00 but I will probably gamble about half that sight unseen.

Regards
Greg

[gfguns]

I have more reason to believe there is a rebuilt rifle under that grease and paper. It was manufactured in March 1943 which puts it in the first 100,000 1903a3 Remington built. Also the date stamp on the box is late 1960 which would be well after the new ones were sold according to Mr. Canfield.
Thanks
Greg

[Devil Dog]

A friend is offering me a similar "package" however, this one has been unwrapped only enough to see the Smith Corona serial number. This one is from rebuild. If I were to buy it, what should I do....unwrap or not? I know about what it is worth unwrapped, but how much more is it worth still in the wrapping? I guess what I'm asking is what will it cost me to look at the whole gun?

[gfguns]

If I bought one I would definitely unwrap it. I would photograph before and after and clean most of the grease off. I would then wrap it back up or keep the wrap off to the side.

[Emri]

What a rifle is worth. Only after seeing it in person and NOT mummyfied. I would NEVER buy a firearm I couldn't inspect and certainly wouldn't pay extra for not being able to do so. Johnny Peppers story is true, I'm sure, but I can't imagine doing what his buddy did.

Hey Johnny, did the dealer take it back, after the mummy wrap seal was broken??

FWIW,

Emri

[gfguns]

Very well put. Thank You