27 Attachment(s)
Ross Presentation Mk III to Sir John French from Col Sam Hughes
Back in 1914, Sir Charles Ross and The Hon Sam Hughes, Minister of Militia and Defence were trying to convince the British to adopt the new Ross rifle, the Model 1910 (or Mk III). A number of rifles were selected and given to various prominent people in British government and military circles. There are documented examples to Congreve and Winston Churchill. This is one such rifle--given to Sir John French, who later became the first commander of the BEF from the war's beginning in 1914 to the end of 1915 when he was replaced by Sir Douglas Haig.
This rifle has not been "appreciated" as much as it might have been. It is as one would expect an early model, with the lighter weight 1905 style front band held on with a cross screw and washer. At some point someone tried to take off the rear barrel band by prying it, so there are some chips in the wood. There is also a light speckling of surface rust on the bolt and metal which I think may come off with some very gentle buffing. The presentation plaque shows signs of polishing over the years, but overall, this is a very neat, historic rifle, a nice example of a pre-war Ross military M-1910 Mk III, and the wood has a beautiful grain to it. The rifle bears no serial number.
Ed
Note also the earlier stamping on the receiver, marking it "M-1910", while the later issue rifles were just stamped M-10. I'm not sure when that change occured. Does anyone know? I can't recall if it's in Phillips' book or not.
