Another new acquisition

Just got back from the Collector's Gun Show in Fond Du Lac. Picked another No 1, Mk III, this one from 1909 with all numbers matching:
https://www.milsurps.com/vbpgimage.p...7&d=1744478298

The stock cannot be original as the slot for the magazine cutoff is mostly covered-up. Some of the wood, such as the Butt stock and the upper hand guards may be original. Other than that, all numbers match, including that on the rear sight.

Some more pictures:
https://www.milsurps.com/vbpgimage.p...8&d=1744478352

https://www.milsurps.com/vbpgimage.p...9&d=1744478385

https://www.milsurps.com/vbpgimage.p...0&d=1744478414

https://www.milsurps.com/vbpgimage.p...1&d=1744478460

Nice find, I'm sure you noticed that not being III* marked while missing the cutoff and having the later beech forend would tend to indicate a restoration from a sporter by someone.

The different font and overall appearance suggests the nosecap was also numbered at a different time than the magazine etc.

Minor points though for such an early rifle. The butt looks like it has been there a long time, so the fact that the marking disc inlet has been plugged might indicate something about its history.

Windage backsight with bone grips? Maybe take off the rear handguard and have a look at the barrel date?

The barrel serial number matches the rest of the rifle. I hate taking the rear handguards off as I'm afraid of breaking them. I don't think it had been recently removed as there was a bit of cosmoline on the barrel. I think this an Arsenal reconditioned rifle, as according to page 6 of Stratton, "Many (perhaps most) early Mk III rifles were "arsenal reconditioned" at which time the volley sights were often removed and new furniture was often installed."

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Neuraleanus

The barrel serial number matches the rest of the rifle. I hate taking the rear handguards off as I'm afraid of breaking them. I don't think it had been recently removed as there was a bit of cosmoline on the barrel. I think this an Arsenal reconditioned rifle, as according to page 6 of Stratton, "Many (perhaps most) early Mk III rifles were "arsenal reconditioned" at which time the volley sights were often removed and new furniture was often installed."

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Could be, though wasn't the SOP that the "III" be changed to "III*" when the cutoff was removed?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Surpmil

Could be, though wasn't the SOP that the "III" be changed to "III*" when the cutoff was removed?

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Good question. I have a another rifle, a Mk III* rebuilt using Indian furniture. The important distinction is the receiver. There is no slot for the magazine cutoff.

As I recall, the 111+* also ditched the rear-sight windage adjustment in favour of a "fixed "aperture cap".