Serial number fonts

[bjarrett]

How often would you see two different fonts in a serial number ? The first two digits look normal to me but the last five are not the same font. Also the grind marks under the numbers look out of place . I only have one 1903 to compare to so thats why I'm asking. Thanks

Information

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[Rick the Librarian]

Hmmmm..... I would say highly suspicious. Any way of getting the scope mount off so we could see all the numbers?

[bjarrett]

This rifle was for sale and seller was not trying to hide anything because he provided a clear photo of the serial numbers. I didn't give the rifle a second look because of the serial numbers but I'm curious if I was wrong. Since this is an A4 was there some restamping done when the rifle was made at Remington ?

[JGaynor]

This rifle was for sale and seller was not trying to hide anything because he provided a clear photo of the serial numbers. I didn't give the rifle a second look because of the serial numbers but I'm curious if I was wrong. Since this is an A4 was there some restamping done when the rifle was made at Remington ?

The only rifles i follow in detail are M1903A4 snipers. Mixed fonts are not unusual. This subject came up a few weeks ago and it prompted me to go back into my library of A4 photographs. There were a number of examples where mixed fonts were used in the serial number. Some of the examples noted had two "2" 's in the number - one with the serified "foot" and the other with a straight, flat "foot". Given that A4's were a priority item i don't think a mixed font would have been a basis to reject an otherwise sound rifle.

That said I am aware and have pictures of one "A4" that some humper tried to build from an A3. The entire receiver ring was scrubbed (sandblasted?) and remarked. In that case the serial number happened to be higher than any known A4 by several hundred numbers. The nomenclature was uneven and actually ran under the stamped metal barrel guard retainer ring. The serial number font appeared larger than normal and the last digit appeared to have been double struck.

On the subject rifle what looks most suspicious to me is the mount base. The top of the number appears to be partially covered by the base. Possibly the base is a commercial model or a reproduction or maybe its just a shadow?

Quite a few A4's (and more recently A4 receivers) have been sold without bases. So the opportunities for someone to get the base wrong abound. Also a high percentage of A4's were rebuilt by the govt which could account for some of the longitudinal polishing marks on the receiver ring.

One fact you can take to the bank. All A4's use a smaller style font(s) than do A3's. In the case of the "Z" series A4's there was sufficient room to add the "Z" in front of the leading digit. In the case of A3's with duplicate numbers the "Z" had to be added on the line above the serial number due to the larger font used for the A3 number

If anyone is interested in this rifle i would ask to see close up (macro) photos of both sides of the receiver and overall pictures of the rifle and receiver before passing judgement.


While it's theoretically possible to remark an A3 it sure isn't easy and I don't believe it is a widespread problem.

I hope this helps.

Regards,

JIm

[bjarrett]

JGaynor Thanks for the detailed answer. Both questions I've had on the Forum you have given very informative answers. Thanks

[Rick the Librarian]

At the risk of repeating myself, Jim is my "go-to" guy on M1903A4s and I appreciate his expertise!