How do you tell the woodwork apart by the three makers ?
Ken.
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How do you tell the woodwork apart by the three makers ?
Ken.
My arsenal refurbed Winchester has an R stamped into the end grain of the forend tip.
Ken-- On the front of the stock is stamped the Letter of each manufacturer; E for Eddystone; W for Winchester and R for Remington. All original stocks will be American Black Walnut.
As well as above, there are subtle differences in stocks around the bolt/safety cut out. Winchester rear hand guard rivets are closer to the sling swivel also.
This is detailed well with pictures in "United States Rifle model of 1917" by C.S. Ferriis
"Stock. The three manufacturers, Eddystone, Remington and Winchester applied their initial, E, R, or W, to the fore-end of the stock. Winchester often also applied a Winchester Sub-inspector's number as well.
Stocks made by other firms were designated for markings as follows: N for New England Westinghouse, B for Remington Arms U.M.C. Bridgeport, V for Victor Talking Machine Co., and A for Wood-Art Machine Co. (4) this was after the Armistice, when contracts were being cancelled.
Whether stocks made by other firms were actually used on accepted rifles is not known by the author."
This information can be found on page 89, Ferris.
Thanks people.. Has E for Eddystone.. very dark timber..front handguard is a different wood.
Barrel dated 11-18.
Ken.
I think so, but I also heard that Eddystone didnt mark their handguards. However, each mfr created little features that are clear identifiers for collectors. I think a google search can further augment the insights already provided you in this string along these lines.Quote:
Originally Posted by kenny18
Hi folks,
I recently viewed a 1917 Eddystone rifle with a stock that had no finger grooves, and appeared sanded with no cartouche or rebuild marks.
Did any of the manufacturers make stocks without finger grooves? I have seen them referred to as "Fatso" stocks.
Were rifles that went through an arsenal rebuild refitted with no finger groove stocks?
Thank You
Eddystone most certainly did mark their handguards. The example I had, which was about as close to new condition you could get, had the "E" stamped on the tops of the handguards.Quote:
Originally Posted by 1903Collector
Probably, because of that they are/were easily worn/dinged up/sanded away/replaced, or otherwise made to be not viewable.
Yes they did. Mine was also so marked.Quote:
Originally Posted by jakester
GSM44.. Eddystone made a British Pattn '14 rifle with no finger grooves, called 'the fat boy' by collectors. Mine still had it's long range sights. :)
Attachment 123678
Martin--Quote:
Originally Posted by martin08
Ferris is a great book. but a lot more of research needs to be done. My feeling is that in order for Eddystone to maintain the production levels for the M1917 additional subcontracts had to be used. Especially in the production of rifle stocks both the Victor Talking Machine Company and Wood-Art Machine Co. are local to the Eddystone Rifle Plant. Victor is located in Camden, NJ and Wood-Art Machine Company was incorporated in Wilmington , DE an registered as a "foreign" corporation in Philadelphia, PA. It is my understanding that their factory was located in Woodbury, NJ. Victor built expensive record players which had high quality wooden cabinets. Victor would later become Radio Corporation of America (RCA) and world leader in electronics. The building location stills stands today in Camden and has expensive apartments. The Wood-Art Machine Company factory location would later become vacant and a company called "Forway Industries" would occupy the location. The company was closed after it became involved in the Iran-Contra sandal with Ollie North. The location was completely upgraded with much of the original outsides remaining in appearance.
As I was saying there is a lot of information that needs to researched on the Eddystone M1917 not just wooden stocks but the production of the Eddystone M1917 itself. Its hard to believe that none of the gun writers have written on the Eddystone production especially considering the volume of weapons made in such a short period of time. I guess stories on the Springfield M1903, red-headed step child does not sell. LOL!!