New M1917 Rifle question: markings and “excesss”???
Hi all. My first trip to the CMP South store was great. Wonderful people. Selection of WWII stocked Garands with low number throat wear was less than desirable but I did pick up an Eddystone M1917… my first was 1917!
Just a quick look revealed almost all E marked parts. I’ve not disassembled it yet. Barrel date is 8-18 and serial number dates to 9-18. I’m always interested in stock markings too and I have several questions on this one.
There is what I think is an arsenal rebuild mark on the left side of the stock just below the bolt release mechanism which is AO and a third letter which may be an H. I think the AO is for Anniston Ordinance but not sure of the third letter… looks like an H but could be something else??? Any idea when it could have been rebuilt if it is a rebuild mark? After WWI, after WWII?
Just above that mark is a 3 in a small square box?? Any ideas??
On the end of the pistol grip part of the stock just behind the bolt or pin that fixes the rear of the receiver to the stock is a capital C with a horizontal line hitting the C at about 10 o’clock! This is in the area where the web of a hand that had the index finger on the trigger and the thumb across the top just behind the receiver would be! Any thoughts??
The last mark is a B3 that is just rearward of the front barrel band (and front swivel) on the underside of the stock! What could this be??
I said the last mark was the B3 but what is REALLY most interesting is the word EXCESS that is stamped into the receiver at about 11 o’clock just a little bit left of the U.S. Model of 1917 Eddystone 955XXX. The word Excess is very small but clear and stamped at about a 45degree angle and upside down!!! I don’t think it means excessive headspace as that was checked by CMP. Does it mean excess to someone’s needs and any idea who that maybe? Did the U.S. ever stamp such a thing?? Thanks for taking the interest to read all this and any thoughts you can share! Cheers!!!
