Blued or Parkerized?

Gentlemen:

There's an auction coming up with '03 Serial No. 655615, barrell date SA 2-17. All my references say it should be blued but the piece is obviously Parkerized and looks to be in new condition. Though SA didn't start the Parker process until summer of '18.

Your input would be appreciated!

Best regards,

H.T.

Obviously a refinish - depending on he color and finish of the repark, either just after WWI or later.

I concur with Rick the Librarian. Springfield Armory didn't begin parkerizing rifles until late 1918. The rifle you observed has been refinished.

J.B.